Our surgeons are experienced in performing many surgical procedures. Additionally, being part of a large network allows us to work directly with other pediatric physicians who bring an added level of expertise for procedures that require further specialization.

For all procedures, we employ the least invasive option that is medically safe with the goal of completing a safe procedure while reducing the impact of surgery on your child's body. The surgical treatments we offer include:

Neonatal surgery

Our surgical teams repair congenital abnormalities, including congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM). We also treat esophageal atresia (EA) and other neonatal and perinatal disorders.

Pediatric general surgery

We treat hernias, including inguinal hernias, umbilical hernias and epigastric hernias. Our surgical teams also perform hernia repair and build treatment plans for gastrointestinal (GI) disorders.

Chest wall abnormality correction

A chest wall abnormality occurs when there is a structural deformity of the chest. This can develop in two ways:

• Pectus excavatum: In this case, the chest bone dips inward. Some people call this a ‘funnel’ or ‘sunken’ chest. Affecting about 1 in 300 children, this is the most common type of chest wall deformity.
• Pectus carinatum: This occurs when the breastbone protrudes and can be referred to as ‘pigeon chest.’ This condition affects about one in 1,000 children. Both affect more boys than girls.

These chest wall deformities are present at birth but often not noticeable until the early teenage years. The conditions may affect breathing during exercise, the development of respiratory infections, asthma and scoliosis, especially for pectus excavatum. However, the most common complaint of these conditions is the impact on self-esteem and psychological health.

Treatments for chest wall deformity

When treating a chest wall deformity, our team first evaluates the significance of the bone abnormality and how it is affecting your child's health – physically and psychologically. Then, we work with you and your family to create an individualized treatment plan that meets your child's unique needs. We always begin with nonsurgical treatments, if possible. Pectus excavatum requires surgical correction more than pectus carinatum. And pectus carinatum is often treated successfully with bracing.

Custom bracing for pectus carinatum

We offer custom bracing for pectus carinatum. Individuals are fitted for a fully customized brace that will be worn 24 hours a day (under clothing) for 6 months to a year. Bracing is often started around ages 10-15 and works well just before a growth spurt. It gently guides the structures back into place without causing trauma or significant pain.

Exceptional outcomes come from experience, which is why our team is known for excellence. Below are a few examples of the depth of experience our team has and some of the procedures we have helped to pioneer in the field.

Our team leads the world by performing the most:

• Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplications in infants and children
• Neonatal minimally invasive surgeries
• Thoracoscopic lung resections in infants and children

(Reported by peer-reviewed journals)

The first in the world to provide:

• Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) operating suite for pediatrics
• Thoracoscopic esophageal atresia (EA) with tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) repair
• Thoracoscopic lobectomy

The first in the U.S. to complete:

• Laparoscopic repair of duodenal atresia

The first in the Colorado/Rocky Mountain region to complete:

• Diaphragmatic hernia repair (minimally invasive CDH repair)
• Laparoscopic appendectomy in a child
• Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a child
• Laparoscopic Nissen
• Laparoscopic pull-through procedure for imperforate anus
• Thoracoscopic patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) closure
• Thoracoscopic vascular ring repair
• Laparoscopic pyloromyotomy
• Laparoscopic splenectomy
• First single-site surgery