Exterior photo of the UVM Medical Center entrance.

Pediatric Surgery

 (802) 847-4462

111 Colchester Avenue
Main Campus, Specialty Center
Burlington, VT 05401-1473

Monday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Pediatric Surgery in Burlington, VT

At Vermont Children's Hospital, our University of Vermont Medical Group physicians provide advanced surgical services for the full range of conditions for children from birth through adolescence.

Our dedicated UVM Medical Center clinicians and caregivers have specialized training in pediatric surgery, offering your child and family the advanced knowledge and skill that comes from years of experience.

As a university hospital, our surgeons are knowledgeable of the latest scientific research in the field. Your child will benefit from access to the latest treatments and therapies, provided by experts who are committed to personalized, child-centered care.

Pediatric Surgery Services at UVM Medical Center

At Vermont Children's Hospital, we provide advanced surgical services for the full range of conditions for children from birth through adolescence. Some of the common conditions we treat include:

Inguinal Hernia

A pediatric inguinal hernia is when soft tissue - usually the intestine - protrudes into the groin. The hernia appears as a bulge or swelling in the groin. Hernias usually are present at birth, but may not be noticeable for weeks, months or sometimes years after birth. The swelling may be more pronounced when the baby cries, or may get smaller when the baby is relaxed. Inguinal hernias require immediate medical treatment and surgeons can often successfully perform inguinal hernia repair.

Umbilical Hernia

An umbilical hernia is a bulge that can be seen or felt at the site of the belly button. The hernia occurs when part of the abdominal lining, intestine and/or abdominal fluid protrudes through the abdominal wall muscle.

During pregnancy, the fetus has a small opening in the abdominal muscles that allows the umbilical cord to pass through. After birth, this opening closes. In some cases, however, these muscles do not grow properly or close completely, leading to an umbilical hernia diagnosis.

Umbilical hernias may close on their own by ages 3 or 4. If they don't close, surgery may be necessary to repair the hernia.

Pyloric Stenosis

A problem that occurs in early infancy, pyloric stenosis in infants is a condition characterized by episodes of spitting up or vomiting that grow progressively worse. Vomiting usually happens within 30 to 60 minutes of feeding.

It is caused by a thickening of the muscle surrounding the pyloric sphincter at the bottom of the stomach. This thickening prevents food from traveling from the stomach to the small intestine. The stomach contracts to try to force the food through the obstruction, but results instead in vomiting.

Pyloric stenosis in infants can result in dehydration, weakness and weight loss. It can be successfully treated with surgery.

Trauma

Trauma is any severe or life-threatening injury, often caused by accidents or violence. Pediatric trauma care at Vermont Children's Hospital has a strong emphasis on prevention, education and providing advanced surgical services to treat children with traumatic injuries.

Congenital Intestinal Disorders

Congenital intestinal disorders are conditions affecting the intestinal tract that are present at birth. These congenital or inherited disorders prevent food or fluid from passing normally through the intestine.

They include:

  • Intestinal malrotation: a birth defect that happens when the intestinal tract is not properly developed during fetal development, and doesn't form properly.
  • Intestinal atresia and stenois: a defect that occurs when part of the intestine is absent or closed. If not treated, it can lead to damage of the intestines.
  • Anorectal malformations (imperforate anus): a condition where the anus does not fully form and requires reconstruction.
  • Hirschsprung's disease: a disorder of the nerves of the large intestine that results in severe constipation. The portion of the intestine missing the normal nerves is removed and the remaining healthy portion of the intestine is connected to the anus.

Other Conditions We Treat:

  • Hirschsprung's disorder
  • Hernias
  • Appendicitis
  • Pectus deformities
  • Gastroesophageal reflux/failure to thrive
  • Circumcision
  • Hepatobiliary disease (biliary artesia, choledochal cyst, hepatoblastoma)
  • Antegrage Continence Enema (ACE)
  • Tumors (hepatoblastoma, Wilm's, neuroblastoma)
  • Congenital lung disorders (bronchogenic cysts, congenital lobar emphysema, pulmonary sequestration, congenital pulmonary malformation)
  • Hematological disorders requiring splenectomy (spherocytosis, ITP, sickle cell anemia)
  • Head and neck "lumps and bumps" (dermoid cyst, brancial cleft cyst)
  • Anorectal malformations
  • Nuss procedure
  • Pectus carinatum
  • Burn Program
  • Trauma Program
  • Gastrostomy placement

Surgical Services Offered:

  • Nuss procedure
  • Pectus carinatum
  • Burn Program
  • Trauma Program
  • Gastrostomy placement

 

Martin Keller, MD
Pediatric Surgery
James J. Murphy, MD
Pediatric Surgery