Comprehensive Surgical Care in WNY

Established in 1957, the Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery department at GCH Buffalo is the region’s leading center for pediatric surgical care. We specialize in comprehensive surgical treatment for neonates, children and young adults, including general, thoracic and minimally invasive surgery.

Our Level IV NYS-designated neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) provides immediate access to pediatric surgical specialists, and GCH Buffalo is the only hospital in Western New York with 24/7 coverage by pediatric surgical subspecialists. We are committed to excellence in patient care, education and research, making the department a nationally and internationally recognized academic unit.

Why Choose GCH Buffalo for Pediatric Surgery

  • Board-certified pediatric surgeons with fellowship training in pediatric surgery

  • Access to minimally invasive surgical techniques and advanced operating rooms

  • Level IV NICU and Level I Regional Pediatric Trauma Center for comprehensive care

  • Family-centered care with education, support and recovery guidance

  • Multidisciplinary programs for complex surgical conditions

  • Coordination with Kaleida Health facilities for seamless follow-up care

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The Care We Provide

Surgical Services

Pediatric general surgery, thoracic surgery, neonatal surgery, minimally invasive (laparoscopic) surgery, trauma surgery, and specialized procedures in collaboration with other subspecialties.

Pre-Procedure Preparation

Guidance on diet, medications and anesthesia instructions to ensure patient safety and comfort.

Anesthesia Services

Comprehensive anesthesia care tailored to age, health status and procedure, provided by Great Lakes Anesthesiology at the Conventus outpatient center, 3rd floor. Phone: (716) 323-6570.

Recovery and Discharge

Post-procedure monitoring, patient and family education, and coordination of follow-up care.

Patient Education

Resources on surgical procedures, pre-op instructions, diet guidelines and FAQs to help families prepare.

Multidisciplinary Programs

As surgical care becomes increasingly complex, our multidisciplinary programs provide comprehensive care for children with specialized conditions. These programs leverage expertise from hematology and oncology, pulmonology, gastroenterology, endocrinology and other subspecialties to deliver coordinated, high-level care.

Center for Advanced Pediatric Wound Care

Chest Wall Deformities Program

Inflammatory Bowel Disease Program

Intestinal Rehabilitation Program

Thyroid Surgery Program

These programs leverage expertise from hematology/oncology, pulmonology, gastroenterology, endocrinology and other subspecialties to provide coordinated, high-level care.

Conditions and Treatments

Common surgical procedures.

  • Appendectomy
  • Cholecystectomy
  • Circumcision
  • Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Repair
  • Esophagoscopy, Esophageal Dilation, Bronchoscopy
  • Excision of Skin Lesions
  • Surgery for Neck Masses
  • Frenulectomy
  • Gastroschisis Repair
  • Hydrocelectomy
  • Inguinal and Umbilical Hernia Repair
  • Lymph Node Biopsy
  • Central Venous Port and Catheter Placement
  • Pectus Excavatum Repair
  • Pyloromyotomy
  • Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) Repair
  • Splenectomy
  • Surgery for Congenital GI, Abdominal, Chest Wall or Lung Defects
  • Surgery for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Where to Receive Care

Where you can receive Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery care

Services are available at:

Golisano Children’s Hospital of Buffalo
Buffalo, NY

Specialties: pediatric general and thoracic surgery, anesthesia, recovery and patient education.

Anesthesia services are located at the Golisano Children’s Buffalo Outpatient Center (Conventus), 3rd floor, 1001 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14203.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The Child Life Department offers tours so children can become familiar with the surgery process. Call (716) 323-1520 to schedule.

Biological parents, adoptive parents (if the adoption is more than 6 months old) or court-appointed legal guardians with proper documentation.

Two healthy adults. Children under 14 are not permitted. Restrictions may vary seasonally.

All patients need a history and physical within 30 days of surgery. Notify the surgeon of any specialty care.

General anesthesia requires an empty stomach to prevent complications.

Notify the surgeon immediately if there is a cough, fever, rash or contagious disease exposure.

Follow the discharge instructions provided. For emergencies, call the GCH Buffalo Emergency Department at (716) 323-2100.

Take the next step in your surgical care

Request a Surgical Consultation Call Our Care Team

Surgery and patient resources

Education and engagement

Resources for families on diet, anesthesia instructions, preparation, recovery and FAQs.

Learn More