Why Choose CHOP for Your Child's Surgery

When faced with the prospect of surgery, you want to know your child is receiving the best, most compassionate care available. At Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), our team of world-class pediatric surgeons and experienced staff work across specialties and fields of expertise to take a multidisciplinary approach to the treatment and care of your child. This makes us uniquely capable of treating the most difficult cases.

No matter what your child’s condition, they will have access to a full team of the nation’s top pediatric specialists, providing personalized treatment and care for everything from medical management and surgery to diet, nutrition and family support.

A long history of providing innovative care for children requiring surgery

The Department of Surgery at CHOP was established in 1946 by then Surgeon-in-Chief, C. Everett Koop, MD. It was the first pediatric surgical specialty care facility in Philadelphia and second of its kind in North America.

CHOP has continued to build on its legacy of providing innovative, integrated care for children requiring surgery. For example, we are leaders in the treatment of complex surgical diagnoses including congenital malformations in the chest and abdomen, congenital hyperinsulinism, endocrine disorders, juvenile myasthenia gravis (JMG) and many others. In 2019 our division published the two largest case series in the world describing congenital hyperinsulinism and JMG. See some of our scientific publications.

A world-class pediatric surgical team

Our pediatric surgeons perform approximately 4,500 general and thoracic surgeries and minimally invasive procedures each year. Our surgical team consists of pediatric general surgeons, pediatric transplant surgeons and advanced practice nurses skilled in the surgical and postoperative care of premature babies, infants, children and adolescents. Our surgeons are also faculty members at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.

State-of-the-art facilities and training

The operating room complex at Children’s Hospital is equipped with 23 high-definition, minimally invasive surgery suites and instruments specially selected for use in infants and children. Our pediatric surgical research laboratories, located in the Leonard and Madlyn Abramson Pediatric Research Center, are dedicated to research and advancing knowledge of pediatric surgical techniques.

We house one of the premier pediatric surgical training facilities in the nation. At the William Maul Measey Pediatric Surgical Training Laboratory, hospital residents and fellows, as well as nurses and anesthesiologists, get the chance to hone their minimally invasive surgery (MIS) skills in simulated experiences using state-of-the-art technology in the Surgical Technology and Technique (STAT) Lab. The lab provides a place for the experienced surgeons and our trainees to practice the latest techniques and hone their skills, while also working to invent new surgical tools and procedures.

Surgical services and follow-up close to home

Our Specialty Care and Ambulatory Surgery Centers provide outpatient general and specialty surgical services to children of all ages. They are staffed by CHOP’s pediatric surgeons and board-certified pediatric anesthesiologists, along with a full-time staff of pediatric nurses — all with training in operating rooms or intensive care units. Ambulatory surgery centers bring the convenience of outpatient surgery to families so they can benefit from the expertise of CHOP surgeons closer to home. Find a surgical center near you.

Coordinated care for your child

Our surgical team includes specialized staff to provide integrated care before, during and after your child’s surgery. For example, the team includes surgical dietitians who work with families to develop customized care plans that help children with difficult nutritional challenges to thrive. The team is supported by wound care specialists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, case managers, child life specialists, and social workers.

We provide ongoing support and comprehensive care to patients and families following surgery for complex diseases. Our surgeons are embedded directly within the teams of many subspecialty programs and clinics dedicated to treating specific conditions and improving the health of your child.

No matter what your child needs surgery for, they will have access to top pediatric specialists. CHOP is consistently ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report’s annual survey of the nation’s Best Children’s Hospitals.

Surgery Prep Family in Prep Room with Doctor

Preparing for Your Child's Surgery

Find tips to prepare for your preoperative visit with CHOP’s pediatric general surgeons, and resources to help prepare your child for surgery.

Surgery Prep Family and Doctor

Surgery Guide

Learn about having surgery at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, including what to bring, how to prepare your child, and more.