Pediatric Surgery
Pediatric surgery is surgery designed specifically for newborns, infants, children and adolescents, performed by surgeons and anesthetists trained in their unique needs. It covers congenital (present-at-birth) conditions, common childhood problems such as hernias and appendicitis, and many other operations — often using minimally invasive techniques — in a family-centered, child-friendly setting.
Medically reviewed by the Florence Healthcare medical team · Last reviewed June 2026
Overview
Children are not small adults: their anatomy, physiology and emotional needs differ, and surgery must be adapted accordingly. Pediatric surgeons and pediatric anesthetists are trained specifically to operate on and care for newborns, infants and children, supported by child-sized equipment, pediatric intensive care where needed, and a setting designed to reassure both child and parents.
The field spans congenital conditions present from birth, common problems such as hernias, undescended testes and appendicitis, and a wide range of abdominal, urological, thoracic and other operations. Many procedures are now done with minimally invasive (keyhole) techniques, which can mean smaller scars, less pain and a faster recovery — especially valuable in children. Complex newborn surgery is undertaken by dedicated neonatal and pediatric teams.
Care is family-centered, with parents involved and supported throughout. International families receive a coordinator, a clear plan and a transparent cost estimate before travel, and our specialists can review a child's records and imaging remotely to confirm whether surgery is needed and explain exactly what it would involve.
Who is a candidate?
- Newborns and infants with a congenital condition that needs surgical correction
- Children with common surgical problems such as a hernia, undescended testis or appendicitis
- Those needing abdominal, urological, thoracic or other childhood operations
- Children who may benefit from minimally invasive (keyhole) surgery
- Families seeking an expert opinion on whether a child needs an operation
What happens
- 1
Assessment
The pediatric surgeon examines your child and reviews any imaging, explaining the diagnosis and whether surgery is needed in a way that reassures both child and parents.
- 2
Preparation
A pediatric anesthetist assesses your child, and the team prepares you both for the operation with clear, age-appropriate explanations and a plan for comfort and pain relief.
- 3
The operation
Using techniques and equipment designed for children — often minimally invasive — the surgeon carries out the procedure, with pediatric anesthesia and monitoring throughout.
- 4
Recovery
Your child recovers in a child-friendly setting, with parents involved and pain managed gently. Pediatric intensive care is available for newborns and complex cases.
- 5
Follow-up
The team reviews healing and recovery and answers your questions. International families receive a clear follow-up plan, with remote support arranged after they return home.
Benefits
- Surgery and anesthesia adapted specifically to the needs of children
- A family-centered, child-friendly setting that reassures child and parents
- Minimally invasive techniques, where suitable, mean smaller scars and faster recovery
- Dedicated pediatric intensive care for newborns and complex operations
- Corrects congenital and childhood conditions, often with excellent results
Risks & considerations
- The general risks of surgery and anesthesia, minimized by specialist pediatric teams
- Specific risks depend on the particular operation, which the surgeon explains
- Some congenital conditions need more than one operation over time
- A recovery period that varies with the procedure and the child
- Occasionally, the need for further treatment depending on the condition
Conditions this treats
Where it is performed
This procedure is delivered by our Robotic Surgery Center.
Learn more before you decide
Provider-reviewed guides on the related conditions, symptoms and tests in our Health Library.
Pediatric Surgery — frequently asked questions
It covers congenital conditions present from birth, common childhood problems such as hernias, undescended testes and appendicitis, and a wide range of abdominal, urological, thoracic and other operations — all adapted to children.
Pediatric surgeons and pediatric anesthetists are trained specifically in children's needs, using child-sized equipment, careful monitoring and pediatric intensive care where required, in a setting designed to reassure both child and parents.
Many pediatric operations are now done with minimally invasive (keyhole) techniques, which can mean smaller scars, less pain and a quicker recovery. Whether this approach suits your child depends on the condition, and the surgeon explains what to expect.
Yes. Share your child's reports and any imaging and our specialists advise whether surgery is needed and what it would involve, before you commit to travel.
Stays range from day-case to several nights depending on the operation, plus follow-up before flying — your coordinator confirms how long to plan for. We provide a transparent, itemized estimate after reviewing your child's case rather than a fixed online price.
Related treatments
Considering pediatric surgery?
Share your reports for a medical second opinion and a transparent, itemized cost estimate — usually within 48 hours.