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General surgery

Expert, compassionate surgical care for children of all ages

When it comes to surgery, kids need special care in environments designed just for them. That’s exactly what they get at CHoR. Our surgeons have specialized pediatric expertise and work alongside dedicated pediatric anesthesiologists to provide quality, safe and comforting care. 

The experienced team at CHoR cares for kids every day with a variety of surgical needs. From premature infants to teens, hernia repair to separation of conjoined twins and care of complex congenital anomalies, families are in the right hands at CHoR.

Robotic surgery, enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) and more

Our surgeons use robotic and minimally invasive techniques when possible for precise surgery and quick recovery. The team also follows an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery program to ensure they’re using patient centered, evidence-based approaches for outstanding care in the operating room, leading to thorough and efficient recovery with reduced reliance on medications. This means
kids can return home and back to doing what they love as quickly and safely as possible.
Specialized

Specialized pediatric surgical programs

  • Airway treatment – surgical treatment of airway lesions and reconstructive surgery
  • Bariatric surgery (adolescent)
  • Chest wall deformities 
  • ECMO – or extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation – treatment using an artificial lung to provide oxygen to the body
  • Gastrointestinal tube management and education
  • GI, urology and surgery clinic (GUS), for care of anorectal malformations, Hirschsprung's disease, gastrointestinal disorders, congenital urological disorders and other
    colorectal problems
  • Prenatal multispecialty program for congenital anomalies
  • Surgical oncology and solid tumor program
  • Thoracic surgery
  • Trauma
  • Vascular access

Why choose CHoR?

CHoR is one of only 10 children’s hospitals on the East Coast to be verified as a Level 1 Children’s Surgery Center by the American College of Surgeons – a testament to the care delivered by our expert, compassionate team every day. We’re also the only hospital in Central Virginia with pediatric anesthesiologists and surgeons available 24/7, which is especially important for the smallest and sickest children. As a Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center, our team is prepared to handle any illness or injury – at any time.

Even in the best of circumstances, surgery can be stressful for kids. Our child life specialists offer educational and emotional support to help ease concerns for the whole family.

Perioperative care: Providing a place for you before and after surgery

When your child must have surgery, your reassurance and support can help calm their fears.

On surgery day, our perioperative area provides a caring atmosphere where you can be with your child before and after surgery. Our specially trained perioperative nurses care for your child's medical needs during this time and provide comfort and reassurance.

You can help support your child facing surgery in the following ways:

  • Be calm and reassuring when discussing a surgery
  • Consider your child's age and personality to decide when and how much to share
  • Encourage questions and provide answers so your child knows what to expect
  • Help your child choose their favorite toys or other items to help the hospital feel more like home. This can include books, stuffed animals, blankets and more.

Tour our perioperative unit 

Do you have questions about preparing for surgery, what happens on surgery day or post-surgery recovery information? 

Access our surgery guide for children and families

On-call coverage at community hospitals 

We’re committed to community collaborations that provide kids with access to pediatric surgical care – when and where they need it. Our surgeons provide 24/7 general pediatric surgery call coverage for the following community hospitals:

  • Chippenham Hospital (PICU & ER)
  • Henrico Doctors’ Hospital (NICU)
  • Johnston-Willis Hospital (NICU)
 

Meet the team

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Charles E Bagwell, MD
Charles Bagwell MD Surgery Read more
Laura A Boomer, MD, FACS, FAAP
Laura Boomer MD, FACS, FAAP Surgery
Solid tumor clinic
Read more
Frazier Frantz, MD
Frazier Frantz MD Surgery Read more
Jeffrey Haynes, MD, FACS, FAAP
Jeffrey Haynes MD, FACS, FAAP Trauma
Surgery
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Patricia A Lange, MD
Patricia Lange MD Surgery Read more
David Lanning, MD, PhD
David Lanning MD, PhD Surgery
Adolescent bariatric surgery
Weight management
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Claudio Oiticica, MD
Claudio Oiticica MD Weight management
Vascular birthmarks/malformations
Adolescent bariatric surgery
Surgery
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Jason Sulkowski, MD
Jason Sulkowski MD Surgery Read more
Lauren Cobert, PNP-AC
Lauren Cobert PNP-AC Surgery Read more
Kathleen Cook, PNP-PC
Kathleen Cook PNP-PC Surgery Read more
Ashley Montminy, PNP-AC
Ashley Montminy PNP-AC Surgery Read more
Ashleigh Onweller, PA
Ashleigh Onweller PA Surgery Read more
Kyley Von Bargen, PNP-AC
Kyley Von Bargen PNP-AC Surgery Read more

Locations

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