When your child is facing a surgical procedure, you want to make sure that everything possible is done to ensure a smooth experience, with the best team and outcome, and as little stress as possible.
At Mission Children's Hospital we approach pediatric surgery as more than just a procedure and work hard to deliver top quality care before, during and after surgery.
We have a team of qualified, caring surgeons, physicians, nurses and specialists trained in working with children and families to provide a system of care that helps to create a surgical experience with as little stress and anxiety as possible.
We can perform most surgical procedures needed by infants, children and adolescents, including minimally invasive thorascopic and laparoscopic techniques when appropriate.
- Reconstruction of chest wall abnormalities, including repair for pectus excavatum (funnel chest)
- Other non-cardiac thoracic surgery including patent ductus arteriosus closure (a congenital heart defect where a blood vessel fails to close properly), chest tumors, fluid drainage, diaphragm repair, resection of lung abnormalities, and treatment of empyema (pus in the chest often accompanied by pneumonia)
- Meet with parents whose baby has birth defects, before or after delivery, to talk over surgical options
- Correction of many birth defects, including gastroschisis (babies born with organs outside the body) and intestinal obstructions
- Laparoscopic surgery for gallbladder removal, appendicitis, and gastroesophageal reflux
- Cancer surgery, both tumor biopsy and removal, working closely with Mission pediatric hematologists/oncologists
- Treatment of hydrocele (accumulation of fluids) in infants
- Inguinal and umbilical hernia repair
- Long term IV access, including broviac lines and ports for cancer patients and those needing long term antibiotics
- Surgical treatment of pyloric stenosis (narrowing of the valve at the outlet from the stomach)
- General pediatric surgery
Our Team
They include:
- Pediatric anesthesiologist
- Pediatric nurse anesthetist
- Pediatric radiologist
- Pediatric nurses, many with advanced degrees
- Respiratory therapists and dieticians who specialize in pediatrics
Mission's pediatric surgery program is led by board certified pediatric surgeons with advanced training in the surgical needs and challenges particular to infants, children and adolescents:
Eric Walburgh, MD
David Graham, MD
Support Services
Mission's services are not just limited to the surgical procedure. We offer pre- and post-surgery services that help reduce the nervousness and anxiety both children and families often feel concerning a surgical procedure.
For instance, we offer pre-surgery tours for families and children so they can be familiar with rooms, equipment and staff members, which helps raise confidence and lower anxiety before a procedure. Our Child Life services use role playing, art and creative intervention to teach, reduce anxiety and give children and families a sense of control during a stressful time.
Mission also provides nursing units that are equipped for the needs of a child who has just undergone surgery and his or her family. These units welcome parents in the care and recovery of their child.
Making an Appointment & Referral Information
Your primary health care provider can set up an appointment with one of Mission's pediatric surgeons at the Reuter Outpatient Center, a referral is necessary. You can print the Patient Referral Form and give it to your physician. If you have any questions call 828-213-1740
See the Surgery Center before you have surgery:
Preview Tours give your child a chance to see the operating rooms, meet some of the staff, and even watch a special puppet having surgery. Adults having surgery at the Asheville Surgery Center are also welcome to attend.
Tours take place on the first and third Thursday of every month from 6:00-7:00 p.m. Call 828-213-0740 to reserve your spot at a Tour.
