Minimally Invasive Pediatric Surgery

Donald Liu, MD, PhD, Surgeon-in-Chief

Surgery for a child is very different from surgery for an adult. The simple fact that children are small poses unique challenges for surgeons. In addition, children--especially infants--react differently to surgery than adults. At the University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital, one way our surgeons have responded to this challenge is by offering innovative minimally invasive surgical procedures for children. These procedures offer many benefits over traditional surgical methods, which require large, open incisions.

Pediatric minimally invasive surgery encompasses a wide range of procedures performed through small "keyhole" incisions rather than large incisions through the chest, abdomen, or another part of the body. With this technique, surgeons use specially designed thin instruments and sophisticated video equipment to perform the operation through the smaller opening.

Minimally invasive surgery offers several advantages over conventional surgery. These benefits include:

• Less injury to tissue
• Less pain
• Reduced blood loss
• Faster recovery
• Shorter hospital stays
• Quicker return to school and activities
• Less scarring

Individualized Care

All of our patients receive personalized attention throughout their care experience--from pre-surgery evaluation through follow-up visits after treatment. Our goal is to provide kid-friendly care that's tailored to each child's needs.

Experts Providing Your Child's Care

At Chicago Comer Children's Hospital, pediatric surgeons from several specialties can perform minimally invasive procedures. Our experts are specifically trained in the techniques required for minimally invasive surgery in children.