Although no parent wants to hear that his or her child needs surgery, we know that our experts are the best. Our UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital-based UF Health Pediatric Surgery team strives to make the surgical experience as easy and comfortable as possible for families.

The inpatient pediatric surgery team consists of four surgeons — all board-certified in pediatric surgery — as well as three pediatric surgery advance-level nurses, two post-residency fellows and two scheduling coordinators. Along the way, pediatric surgery patients are also cared for by nurses in the UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, or PICU, as well as nurses and physical therapists on the medical/surgical units.

Let’s examine a pediatric surgery patient’s journey with our team.

Case study: Pectus excavatum

What is it?

Pectus excavatum is the most common congenital (present since birth) chest wall abnormality in children. This disorder causes the breastbone to appear sunken into the chest. If severe, it may affect the heart and lungs, making exercise difficult. The appearance of the condition can lead to psychological issues.

How is it treated?

There are two types of surgery to repair this condition — open and closed (minimally invasive). Ninety-five percent of surgeries conducted for this condition at UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital are minimally invasive, although both surgeries require an inpatient stay.