Pediatric surgery is a recognized subspecialty that provides surgical care for children ranging from newborns to teens. Pediatric surgeons are required to complete an additional two years of pediatric-specific surgical training after achieving board certification in general surgery. These specialists have particular experience in the repair of birth defects, pediatric cancers and other disciplines. Perhaps most of all, pediatric surgeons offer experience in caring for child victims of trauma, the number one killer of children in the United States. The pediatric surgeons in our group want to provide the best care possible in South Florida which is why we work exclusively at the Nicklaus Children’s Hospital.

Nicklaus Children’s is the only hospital in South Florida dedicated entirely to the care of children, and is home to the only free-standing pediatric trauma center in Florida. No facility in the region performs more pediatric surgical procedures per year than Nicklaus Children’s Hospital.

Nicklaus Children’s Hospital uses the latest technology and the most sophisticated equipment designed to meet the specific needs of children, from premature babies to high school quarterbacks. While many hospitals in South Florida claim to be “children’s hospitals,” these facilities in reality are general hospitals that offer limited children’s services. This could mean that they lack the facilities and experienced personnel necessary to provide the best possible treatment for a child. Whether it pertains to drawing blood, starting an IV, or doing an x-ray study, children are not little adults. They have different needs and a different physiology. Even room temperature and surgical instrumentation must be adjusted according to the needs and size of each child.

Pediatric anesthesia is one of three recognized postgraduate subspecialties of anesthesia. It requires an additional year of special training with children beyond what is required for board certification in anesthesiology. At most South Florida hospitals, the anesthesiologists take care of both adults and children. At the Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, the anesthesiologists take care of only children and babies ensuring that your child has safest, and most pain-free surgical experience possible. A specialized pediatric pain team is available round the clock.

No surgery is ever “routine.” Even a tonsillectomy can involve complications. And when you’re dealing with children, surgery performed at hospitals that do not make pediatrics the exclusive focus can put your child at risk. The fact is, no general surgeon, anesthesiologist, or hospital in South Florida can treat your child as effectively as Nicklaus Children’s team. Insist on it!

The Nicklaus Children’s Hospital website has excellent resources and an OR tour. Click here.

Check out Dr. Colin Knight’s blog about how to prepare your child for surgery.

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