Pediatric Surgeons - Des Moines, IA

What is Pediatric Surgery?

Pediatric surgeons perform surgical treatments for a broad range of children's health conditions. These conditions may range from minor vascular malformations (birthmarks) to complex heart or neural disorders. Pediatric surgeons are physicians who train for surgery in children of all ages, from in utero (fetuses) to adolescents. Some pediatric surgeons further specialize in certain areas, such as:

Pediatric cardiothoracic surgery, which treats children's heart, lung, and chest conditions
Pediatric neurosurgery, which treats children's neural conditions (affecting the brain, neck, and spine)
Pediatric orthopedics/orthopedic surgery, which treats children's muscle, joint, and bone disorders
Pediatric plastic surgery, which treats children's cranial (skull) deformities and dermal (skin) malformations
Pediatric transplant surgery, which provides children with full or partial organ transplants
Pediatric urology, which treats urinary and genital disorders in children

Before performing any surgery, pediatric surgeons consider patients' physical size, pain response, and mental and emotional wellbeing. To ease discomfort, pediatric operating rooms are frequently decorated and furnished with entertaining games and toys.

Pediatric surgeons not only restore children's current health, but might also prevent the recurrence of conditions in adulthood and the need for adult surgery. For this reason, some children may see pediatric surgeons over a course of years to best address their health disorders. Pediatric surgeons frequently work alongside pediatric radiologists, pediatric anesthesiologists, specialists, surgical assistants, child-life specialists, and pediatric care providers.