Division of Pediatric General, Thoracic and Fetal Surgery Resources
Having Surgery at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

This step-by-step guide — designed specifically for children with autism — explains what kids can expect during the entire surgical experience at CHOP.
Homecare Company Contact List
This list of homecare company contact numbers is for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) patients who receive supplies and devices from these companies.
For Parents and Caregivers
Abdominal Drainage (Paracentesis) [PDF]
This resource will give you information about the procedure to drain fluid from your child’s peritoneal cavity. You’ll learn how abdominal drainage is performed, potential complications and when your child can resume her normal activities.
Feeding Tube Conversion [PDF]
This resource will help you understand when your child’s primary feeding tube needs to be changed, why the change is needed and how the conversion from a CORPAK® tube to either a MIC-KEY® tube or a MIC® gastrojejunostomy tube is made.
Lumbar Puncture [PDF]
Learn about lumbar puncture, a procedure in which a doctor inserts a needle into the lower spine to obtain cerebrospinal fluid, to relieve cerebrospinal fluid pressure or to administer chemotherapy for patients with cancer.
Condition Management
The Pectus Carinatum Brace [PDF]
This resource will help you understand pectus carinatum, an overgrowth syndrome that affects the chest, and how treatment with a brace may help your child.
Preparing for Your Child's Procedure
Guide to Your Child's Surgery
Is your child scheduled for surgery? Review our Guide to Your Child's Surgery for more details about what to expect. Topics include what to bring, how to prepare your child, and planning for recovery.
Pre-Procedure Information: Important Instructions About Eating and Drinking Before Anesthesia
This resource offers age-based guidelines for food, drink and medication restrictions before any procedure or surgery that requires sedation, and is available in English and Spanish.
Preparing for Surgery: Surgery Prep Books for Kids
If your child is scheduled to have surgery at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia or one of our surgery centers, these surgery prep books can help prepare them for what to expect.
Videos
Anal Atresia, Imperforate Anus and Other Anorectal Malformations: A Team Approach to Care

Children with anorectal and pelvic malformations such as imperforate anus and anal atresia require long-term bowel management. Watch the video to learn more about the coordinated care provided by CHOP's Pediatric Colorectal Program.
Conjoined Twins Abby and Erin Delaney: A Year in the Life

In this video you’ll join the Delaney family on their journey, learn about the large team involved in the separation surgery, and see how Abby and Erin are doing today.
Easy Does It - Ambulatory Surgery Center Video

CHOP brings specialty and surgical services to families in our Specialty Care and Ambulatory Surgery Centers. The centers allow families access to the services of renowned Children's Hospital surgeons without a trip to the city.
Hirschsprung’s Disease: A Team Approach to Surgery and Care

The Pediatric Colorectal Program provides coordinated care for children with Hirschsprung’s disease, an intestinal disorder that often requires surgery and long-term bowel management
How to Perform a CHG Treatment for a Child 22 – 66 Pounds

Watch step by step instructions on how to use CHG wipes to prevent infection in children 22 to 66 pounds who are having surgery or who have central lines. En español. باللغة العربية
How to Perform a CHG Treatment for a Child Over 66 Pounds

Watch step by step instructions on how to use CHG wipes to prevent infection in children over 66 pounds who are having surgery or who have central lines. En español. باللغة العربية
How to Perform a CHG Treatment for a Child Under 22 Pounds

Watch step by step instructions on how to use CHG wipes to prevent infection in children under 22 pounds who are having surgery or who have central lines. En español. باللغة العربية
Hyperhidrosis Surgery for Children

This video about hyperhidrosis surgery explains how the thoracoscopic sympathectomy procedure works to treat the underlying cause of excessive sweating, and how it can help patients.
Inside Out: Understanding Abdominal Wall Defects (AWD)

In this video series, doctors, nurses and parents talk about abdominal wall defects, including omphaloceles and gastroschisis, and how these conditions are diagnosed and treated at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
Small Wonder: Minimally Invasive Surgery Video

Watch this educational video to learn about minimally invasive surgery at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and its many uses and benefits for kids.
The Delaney Twins: Progress Report

An update on Abby and Erin Delaney, who were born conjoined and separated at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). Now now 2½ years old, they are making amazing strides in their growth and development.
The Separation of Conjoined Twins Lily and Addy Altobelli

Watch the inspiring story of Addy and Lily Altobelli, conjoined twins who were separated at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia on Oct. 13, 2021.