What Is Pediatric Surgery?

Surgical care at Golisano Children’s Hospital of Buffalo focuses on the unique needs of children at every stage of growth. Our surgeons, neurosurgeons, craniofacial specialists and anesthesia teams work together with trauma, critical care and nursing experts to provide safe, effective and comprehensive care.

As the region’s only Level I Pediatric Trauma Center, we are equipped to handle the most serious emergencies as well as planned surgeries, with coordinated care across hospitals, outpatient centers and specialized programs.

Who We Serve

Surgical services are right for children and teens who need:

  • Emergency or trauma care requiring Level I pediatric trauma services

  • Corrective surgery for congenital or acquired conditions

  • Thoracic or abdominal surgery

  • Neurosurgical evaluation and treatment

  • Craniofacial or reconstructive procedures

  • Outpatient surgical procedures

  • Minimally invasive or robotic surgery

  • Multidisciplinary care for complex conditions

The Care We Provide

General and Thoracic Surgery

Comprehensive care for routine and complex conditions, including appendectomy, hernia repair and other common procedures, thoracic surgery for lung or chest conditions, and minimally invasive and robotic-assisted procedures coordinated with trauma and critical care teams.

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Neurosurgery

Specialized surgical care for neurological conditions in children, including brain and spinal surgery, tumor removal, epilepsy surgery and emergency neurosurgical intervention for trauma patients, with multidisciplinary care planning.

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Craniofacial Surgery

Team-based care for children with craniofacial conditions, including reconstructive surgery for cleft lip and palate and facial anomalies, with pre- and post-operative care coordinated across speech, dental, ENT and trauma teams.

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Ambulatory Surgery Center

Outpatient surgical procedures performed safely and efficiently, including minor procedures requiring same-day discharge, pre-procedure evaluation, family education and coordinated post-procedure follow-up care.

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Trauma Surgery

Our Level I Pediatric Trauma Center designation ensures access to the highest level of emergency surgical care, with an immediate multidisciplinary response for critical injuries and full coordination across anesthesia, surgery, neurosurgery and critical care.

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Plastic Surgery

Specialized diagnosis and treatment for congenital anomalies, acquired conditions and complex reconstructive needs affecting the face, hands, skin and soft tissues, combining surgical expertise with family-centered care to optimize functional and aesthetic outcomes.

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What to expect from your child's care

  • Evaluation and diagnosis

    Your child’s surgical and trauma teams review their health history, conduct exams and order imaging or labs as needed.

  • Personalized care plan

    A tailored surgical or trauma care plan is created in partnership with your family, aligned with your child’s health needs and safety.

  • Treatment and recovery

    From emergency interventions to elective surgery, we guide your child through every step, before, during and after surgery, with rehabilitation and follow-up support.

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Why Choose GCH Buffalo for Surgery

  • Region’s only Level I Pediatric Trauma Center

  • Experienced pediatric surgeons, neurosurgeons and craniofacial specialists

  • 24/7 anesthesia and surgical support

  • Advanced neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and pediatric critical care for newborns and high-risk patients

  • Minimally invasive and robotic surgical options

  • Family-centered care with education, resources and support

  • Coordinated care across hospitals, outpatient clinics and specialty programs

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Where your child can receive care

Golisano Children’s Hospital of Buffalo

Getting Started

Request online, call our surgical care team or ask your child’s primary care provider for a referral.

We accept most major insurance plans. Our team can guide you through coverage options.

Photo ID, insurance card, a list of current medications and any recent imaging or lab results.

Pediatric surgery and trauma resources

Articles, education and community resources to support children and families before and after surgery or trauma care.

Expert surgical care for every child

From planned procedures to the most serious emergencies, our pediatric surgical and trauma teams are here for your family. Connect with our surgical care team today.