Minimally invasive pediatric surgery is more than using state-of-the-art technology to perform advanced surgical procedures - it is also a philosophical approach to minimize trauma and discomfort for the infant or child.

In addition to using leading-edge technology to reduce incision size, we also have a dedicated team of child life professionals who help children prepare for and recover from their procedures. This special attention helps reduce both the psychological and physical trauma of surgery. 

Whenever possible, we perform surgery with a minimally invasive approach. Special surgical cameras used in the chest (thoracoscope) and the abdomen (laparoscope) allow us to diagnose and treat our young patients in a gentler way that causes less injury. We use these techniques for most procedures affecting these areas, which include cholecystecomy, splenectomy, intestinal resection, fundoplication, and pull-through procedures. We also use a minimally invasive approach for emergency procedures such as appendectomy, reduction of intussusception, correction of perforated ulcers, and even pyloric stenosis in newborns.

With a focus on minimally invasive techniques, our pediatric surgeons correct congenital abnormalities of the abdominal wall such as omphalocele and gastroschisis. We also repair ventral, umbilical, and inguinal hernias of the abdominal wall. In addition, we use laparoscopic exploration when treating the groin hernias that commonly affect infants and young children on both sides of the body. This approach allows us to check the opposite side for a hernia without putting the child through exploratory surgery.

We have extensive expertise is treating the full spectrum of conditions that affect the respiratory system. Our surgeons routinely remove masses such as cysts and tumors from the lungs and other chest structures. We also treat spontaneous lung collapse and correct irregularities involving the esophagus, trachea, lungs, and hernias of the diaphragm.

As in the abdomen, we use a tiny camera called a thoracoscope to perform most chest procedures through very small incisions. Common treatments include lung resections and the removal of cysts and certain tumors from the lungs and chest.

Our pediatric surgeons perform many head and neck procedures while emphasizing minimally invasive techniques. Common treatments include the removal congenital cysts (including thyroglossal duct cysts) from the head, eyebrow, and neck. We also repair congenital remnants and sinuses in addition fistulas in the neck.

Our pediatric surgeons correct congenital abnormalities and blockages affecting the entire digestive tract. These problems run the spectrum from esophageal, duodenal, and jejuno-ileal atresia to imperforate anus. Our pediatric surgeons also manage other developmental problems of the intestine such as intestinal rotation, enteric cysts, and duplications.

In addition, we treat a wide range of acquired conditions, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), inflammatory bowel disease, intussusception, intestinal obstruction, and appendicitis, as well as intestinal and abdominal lining tumors and cysts. We perform most of these procedures with minimally invasive techniques.

Mount Sinai is world renowned for treating pediatric liver diseases, and our team works with pediatric liver specialists to care for infants and children with conditions such as biliary atresia, cysts of the bile ducts, and liver cysts and tumors. We also treat more common conditions in the pediatric age group, including gallstones. As in all areas we utilize minimally invasive techniques whenever possible in biliary tract surgery.  

We treat a full range of conditions affecting the pelvic area. Some of these include undescended testes and twisted ovaries, both of which are well suited for laparoscopic repair. Other common procedures include hydrocele repair and removal of kidney tumors.

We have special expertise in treating female reproductive organ problems in infants and children. These conditions range from congenital abnormalities such as imperforate hymen and blockages of the uterus and vagina, to acquired conditions like ovarian cysts and tumors of the ovaries, uterus, and vagina.