Pediatric Surgical Care

Expert Surgical Care for Your Child, Close to Home

When your child needs surgery, it’s natural to have questions and want to feel confident about their care. At Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health, our board-certified pediatric surgeons care for children of all ages, from infants to teens, treating everything from common conditions like appendicitis and hernias to more complex diagnoses such as congenital anomalies and tumors.

We offer pediatric surgical care at both K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital in Neptune, NJ and Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital in Hackensack, NJ, making it easier for families across Monmouth, Ocean, Bergen counties, and surrounding communities to access expert care that’s close to home. Whether it’s a routine procedure or something more serious, our team is here to support you and your child every step of the way.

What Is Pediatric General Surgery?

Pediatric general surgery includes a wide range of procedures that do not involve the bones, brain, or heart. Our team performs both scheduled and emergency surgeries using advanced techniques tailored to growing bodies.

Common pediatric surgeries include:

• Pediatric appendectomy
• Gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy)
• Spleen removal (splenectomy)
• Emergency pediatric surgery

We also offer prenatal consultations with pediatric surgeons for expecting parents who need early care planning.

Our Approach: Collaborative and Child-Focused

Every child is different. That’s why our pediatric surgeons collaborate closely with other pediatric specialists, sharing ideas and expertise to find the best possible outcome for your child. If another specialty can support your child’s care, we bring them into the conversation.

Whenever possible, we use minimally invasive and laparoscopic techniques to reduce recovery time and discomfort. And sometimes, the best decision is not to operate at all.

We know that surgery can be scary for children and overwhelming for parents. That’s why we offer support through our Child Life Program, available at our children’s hospitals:

• Child-friendly playrooms for healing through play
• Medical play to reduce fear and explain procedures
• Simple, age-appropriate explanations of diagnoses and treatments
• Creative therapies: art, music, and pet therapy