Meet Dr.Dr. Julia Chen at Austin Pediatric Surgery! Learn more about how we're serving Central Texas. Julia Chen, MD, FACS Meet Dr. Chen Dr. Chen is a board certified pediatric surgeon with an interest in trauma, congenital diaphragmatic hernias and ECMO. She is an advocate for advancing minimally invasive techniques in surgical care of children and injury prevention in the community. She lives in Austin with her husband and children and loves exploring the local food scene! My Journey to Pediatric Surgery "Pediatric surgery combines my interest in service to the community by providing high level surgical and trauma care for all children and perfecting the technical precision it takes to perform complex procedures in our smallest patients. I believe in a family centered approach to care and that prioritizing healthy children and our most vulnerable patients has the ability to uplift an entire community." My Clinical Focus "What drew me to pediatric surgery is the breadth of procedures that we perform, from "lumps and bumps" to coordinating care of patients with complex congenital disorders. I am especially interested in expanding minimally invasive approaches to treatment as well as ECMO and management of congenital diaphragmatic hernias." Services I Provide • Pediatric Trauma Care • Minimally Invasive (Laparoscopic/Thoracoscopic) Surgery • Surgical care of the neonate • Pediatric Hernia Surgery • Removal of Pediatric Tumors & Soft Tissue Masses • Pediatric Gastrointestinal Surgery • Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) • Pilonidal Disease Degree & Training Medical School Icahn School of Medicine at the Mount Sinai Medical Center Residency Icahn School of Medicine at the Mount Sinai Medical Center Fellowship Bloomberg Children's Center at Johns Hopkins Medical Center Board Certification American Board of Pediatric Surgery American Board of Surgery Memberships • American Academy of Pediatrics • American College of Surgeons • American Pediatric Surgical Association • Pediatric Trauma Society Providing trusted care when it matters most GET IN TOUCH

Access important resources to prepare for your child’s surgical journey. Find details about forms, pre-operative planning, financial arrangements and post-surgery care at Austin Pediatric Surgery. Patient Info Patient Forms Patient Resources Before Surgery Insurance & Billing After Surgery Medical Records Patient Forms In an effort to make each appointment go as smoothly as possible, we ask that you complete relevant patient forms prior to your child’s visit. To save time in the office, feel free to print and complete the patient forms and bring them with you to the appointment. If you have any questions about the information on these forms or about your appointment in general, please call (512) 708-1234. Print New Patient Forms Consent Without Guardian Formas del Pacientes- Español Descargue los siguientes formularios, complételos y tráigalos a la oficina para su cita. Formas del Pacient Consentimiento para Tratamiento en Ausencia del Tutor Legal Before Surgery We’re here to ensure your child’s surgery is as smooth and stress-free as possible. Preparing together can help ease anxieties and create a positive experience. Prior to your child’s surgery, please fill out any required patient forms . Steps to Prepare: Ask Questions : Speak with your physician or hospital staff ahead of time to address any questions you might have. Be Honest: Use simple, age-appropriate explanations with your child about the procedure and what to expect. Encourage Play : Let your child explore with medical toys or dolls to build familiarity with their procedure, express their feelings and feel more in control. Pack Comfort Items: Include favorite toys, books or a cozy blanket to help them feel at ease. Storytime Prep: Read books like Curious George Goes to the Hospital or other relevant books and stories to help your child feel more at ease. For more information about our surgical facilities, visit: Dell Children’s Medical Center Dell Children's Medical Center - North Campus Strictly Pediatrics Surgery Center Pre-Operative Tours at Dell Children's Medical Center Prepare your child for surgery with a hands-on pre-operative tour led by a Child Life Specialist. These tours help children and families understand what to expect, reducing stress and promoting confidence. Your child will get to see medical equipment, explore key areas like the operating and recovery rooms, and learn about the surgery process in a kid-friendly way. Siblings are welcome to join, making it a family experience. For dates, times and reservations, call the Surgery Child Life Specialist at (512) 324-0146. After Surgery Your child’s recovery is our priority, and we’re here to help every step of the way. If you have any questions or concerns about post-operative care, we encourage you to contact us directly. Our team is available to answer your questions and ensure your child’s recovery goes as smoothly as possible. For assistance, please call us anytime at (512) 708-1234 . We’re here to provide the guidance and support you need. Patient Resources For additional information regarding our professional associations, resources, and partners, please see the links provided below. American Pediatric Surgical Association American Pediatric Surgical Association Parent Resources American Academy of Pediatrics What is a Pediatric Surgeon Dell Children’s Medical Center Strictly Pediatrics Surgery Center Insurance & Billing At Austin Pediatric Surgery, we are committed to ensuring that every child receives the surgical care they need, regardless of insurance status. We accept all major insurance plans and encourage families to contact us with any questions about coverage or financial arrangements. Our team works closely with families to make the process as smooth as possible and will assist in finding solutions that fit your situation. If you have questions, please call our office at (512) 708-1234 to speak with our financial department. PAY MY BILL Medical Records Request All patient health care information at Austin Pediatric Surgery is strictly confidential. Therefore, medical records cannot be released to any person or organization without the consent of the patient or the patient’s legally authorized representative (unless authorized by law). Release Form To receive a copy of your child’s health information, an authorization to release medical information must be signed and dated by the parent or legal guardian. A fee of $25.00 will be assessed to cover the cost of copying and sending your record. If the records are being faxed or mailed to another medical facility, there is no charge. Medical Records Release Form Submitting your Form Completed authorization forms may be submitted to Austin Pediatric Surgery by mail, in person or by fax. Mailing address: Austin Pediatric Surgery 1301 Barbara Jordan Blvd Suite 400 Austin, TX 78723 Fax number: (512) 708-4567

Expert surgical care for CPAM, thoracic tumors and other lung conditions using advanced minimally invasive techniques. Complex Thoracic Surgery CONGENITAL LUNG LESIONS THORACIC CYSTS & TUMORS THYMOMAS & MYASTHENIA GRAVIS PNEUMOTHORAX Our pediatric surgeons are highly skilled in minimally invasive and open thoracic surgeries to treat various conditions affecting the chest cavity. These include congenital abnormalities, cysts, tumors, and issues that impact breathing or heart function. Our surgeons specialize in Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS), a minimally invasive approach using small incisions to reduce scarring and recovery time. Most children recover quickly, returning home within 1-3 days and resuming regular activities soon after. Congenital Lung Lesions What is it? An abnormal area of the lung that occurs during fetal development that may contain cysts or poorly functioning tissue, usually diagnosed before birth by fetal ultrasound. Variations Congenital Pulmonary Airway Malformations (CPAMs) : Abnormal lung tissue that may include cysts. Bronchopulmonary Sequestrations (BPS) : Non-functioning lung tissue with its own blood supply, separate from the normal lung. Congenital Lobar Emphysema (CLE) : Overinflation of one lung lobe due to abnormal airway development. Treatment Surgery to remove the affected lung portion during infancy to prevent complications like infections or breathing issues. Thoracic Cysts & Tumors Examples Bronchogenic cysts, neurogenic tumors, teratomas, and lymphomas. Treatment Surgical biopsy or removal, often performed minimally invasively. Thymomas & Myasthenia Gravis What is it? Abnormal thymus growth or diseases like myasthenia gravis, which cause muscle weakness. Treatment Surgery to remove the tumor or thymus to alleviate symptoms. Pneumothorax What is it? A collapsed lung caused by air leakage, leading to chest pain and difficulty breathing. Treatment Chest tube placement and possibly surgery to remove abnormal lung tissue that is predisposed to collapsing.

What is an Umbilical Hernia? An umbilical hernia presents as a bulge or protrusion in your infant’s belly button. It is commonly found during the routine doctor’s visits they go to for the first few months of life. While this condition is visually alarming, it isn’t usually cause for concern. When the umbilical cord is cut, the ring typically closes on its own due to rectus muscle growth and fascial layer fusion. But when the fascia of the ring doesn’t close properly, intraabdominal contents may protrude. This results in a bulge in your child’s belly button . When your child cries, coughs, or strains to have a bowel movement, umbilical hernias may become more noticeable. However, when your child is quiet and resting, the bulge may diminish. Umbilical hernias do not usually cause pain, which should provide you some relief. How Common is an Umbilical Hernia? Umbilical hernias affect boys and girls equally. However, umbilical hernias are most common in premature babies and African-American infants. If your child falls into one (or both) of those categories, it is important to tell your pediatrician about any signs a hernia has developed. The good news is that 90% of umbilical hernias close on their own by the time a child is 4 to 5 years old. Often, doctors suggest delaying treatment due to a low rate of complications while waiting for the defect to close on its own. The size of the hernial ring is helpful to determine if it will close on its own. Umbilical hernias are most common in premature babies and African-American infants. If your child falls into one (or both) of those categories, it is something to keep an eye on and tell their doctor about. When Does an Umbilical Hernia Need Treatment? Although pediatric umbilical hernias are common among healthy infants, they are also associated with specific conditions such as common autosomal trisomies, metabolic disorders, and dysmorphic syndromes. It’s important that your doctor distinguishes whether your baby’s condition warrants further evaluation. If your infant’s umbilical hernia does not close on its own in their first few years of life, there are signs that will tell you it’s time to seek treatment: The bulge is firm, painful, or discolored or the hernia sticks out and can’t be pushed back into your infant’s abdomen. – these signs suggests the hernia is stuck and may be an emergency Your baby is over 4-5 years old and the hernia is still present. What is the Treatment for an Umbilical Hernia? The treatment for an umbilical hernia is umbilical hernia surgery. Due to how common pediatric umbilical hernias are, surgery is done in a single day. That means you can bring your child home the same day as the procedure. The procedure is performed while your baby is under general anesthesia. What Happens During Umbilical Hernia Surgery? The surgery for umbilical hernia is relatively straightforward. First, a small curved incision (resembling a smile) is made under your child’s belly button. Then the opening is closed with absorbable sutures and the overlying skin is closed with a combination of absorbable stitches below the skin and DERMABOND.  Umbilical Surgery Aftercare Hernia surgery recovery is simple. Immediately after surgery, your child’s belly button may be slightly swollen, but you can expect this to go away in a few weeks. Refrain from allowing your baby to participate in physical activity for 2-3 weeks post-surgery. Their follow-up appointment should be scheduled for 2-4 weeks after the procedure, when their doctor will evaluate your child’s recovery. There is a very small risk of recurrence of umbilical hernia once surgery is performed. If you notice that your child’s hernia has reappeared, call your Austin Pediatric Surgeon. Umbilical Hernia Treatment at Austin Pediatric Surgery Pediatric umbilical hernias are very common, and a routine surgery will fix the problem. If your child is showing signs of an umbilical hernia, contact Austin Pediatric Surgery to discuss treatment.

While your newborn having an undescended testicle might come as a shock, it is not a huge cause for concern. This occurs in about 4% of infant males when, while growing inside the womb, the testicles develop inside of his abdomen and fail to move down into his scrotum.[1] Treatment for a undescended testicle is an orchiopexy procedure that requires either a laparoscopy or open surgery with general anesthesia. This type of procedure has a 95% success rate.[2] Why Would My Child Infant Need Testicle Surgery? Undescended testicles are a result of an infant male’s testicles, after developing in his abdomen, failing to drop into his scrotum while he is growing inside his mother’s womb. Your doctor can diagnose undescended testicles by examining the child. While undescended testicles aren’t inherently harmful, the complications from them can be. Infertility and testicular cancer are the main issues that males with undescended testicles can face later in life if an orchiopexy isn’t performed within 18 months after birth.  However, it’s recommended that you see a specialist or pediatric surgeon if your son’s testicle hasn’t descended or can’t be located within 6 months after birth. If it’s determined that there are no testicles at all versus undescended testicles, diagnosis immediately after birth can help prevent conditions that result from absent testicles. That’s why seeking out a surgeon you can trust early on can lower the risk of complications and give you peace of mind. What is the Process for Infant Testicle Surgery for a Child? Orchiopexy may require more than one surgery to repair. These surgeries are outpatient procedures, which means you can take your son home after surgery. But what happens during the procedure? Your son will undergo anesthesia so the surgery can be performed. Once your infant is asleep, their surgeon makes a small cut in his groin or may place a camera in the abdomen to find the testicle.  The surgeon examines the undescended testicle to ensure it’s healthy.  If necessary, a hernia sac repair might need to be done first. After any hernia is repaired, a second cut in the scrotum is made to create a pocket for the testicle to sit in. With a surgical tool, the surgeon pulls the undescended testicle down into the pocket they created.  To finish, the surgeon secures the two cuts made with dissolvable stitches that dissolve after a week or two. You and your son can go home about two hours after they undergo an orchiopexy procedure.  Pediatric Testicle Surgery: Questions to Ask the Surgeon When it comes to your child, there are no questions you can’t ask. Let’s go over a few of the most common so you feel confident scheduling testicle surgery for your son. How long do I withhold food for my son after surgery? The reason it’s recommended to limit food post-op is due to the effects of the anesthesia used during the surgery. Start with clear liquids, and consider avoiding rich foods for the day after surgery to avoid nausea.  What is the recovery time after an orchiopexy? Give your son 2-3 days after the procedure before he resumes daily activities. A few specific activities to avoid are jumping, running, and straddling toys like tricycles or rocking horses.  How do I control my son’s post-op pain? Since an orchiopexy isn’t a major surgery, your son’s discomfort can be managed with over the counter medicine like aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen. Applying ice four times a day for at least 10 minutes can not only control pain, but limit swelling of his groin. When do I need to call the doctor if I think something’s wrong? There are 5 symptoms that make it clear it’s time to call your doctor after your son undergoes testicle surgery: Heavy bleeding A high fever Severe pain Severe swelling Infection  What signs of infection do I need to look out for? An infection can indicate there is something wrong with the affected area. Signs to watch out for include pus or redness along the incision sites, a 101 degree or higher fever, and increased pain or swelling. Does Your Child Need Testicle Surgery?  It’s recommended that you find a surgeon you can trust before treatment is needed. That’s because surgery for undescended testicles is best done immediately to prevent future complications. If you’re looking for a pediatric surgeon who has experience with testicle surgery, Austin Pediatric Surgery has the best surgeons for the job. Sources: [1]: https://www.chp.edu/our-services/surgery-pediatric/patient-procedures/undescended-testicle-orchiopexy-repair-surgery [2]: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4889701/ [3]: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/17297-orchiopexy [4]: https://www.chop.edu/treatments/surgery-undescended-testicles-orchiopexy

Your top priority as a parent is keeping your child safe and free from pain or sickness. So what happens when they develop a condition that puts that at risk? You find the top children’s hospital in Austin to ensure they get the treatment they need to feel healthy again. If you notice your child has developed a bulge or swelling in their lower belly near their groin area, this points to a condition known as an inguinal hernia.  What is a Pediatric Inguinal Hernia? A pediatric inguinal hernia is a condition in which swelling of the groin area results from a hole that lets contents in the abdomen move into the groin. Inguinal hernias may allow intestines or other organs to pass through. These types of hernias are not caused by your child lifting something too heavy or straining. Instead, the defect is present at birth, and the straining leads to internal organs moving through the hole into the groin. Inguinal hernias do not heal on their own and require surgical intervention. Inguinal Hernias in Girls vs. Boys Inguinal hernias can affect both infant girls and infant boys, but it is more common in boys.  While in the womb, your child develops a short tunnel through the abdominal wall. This tunnel should seal off naturally before they’re born; if not, an inguinal hernia can form. The only difference between girls and boys with this condition is where the abdominal cavity connects.  Inguinal Hernias in Infant Girls With inguinal hernias in infant girls, the short tunnel connects the abdominal cavity to their labia. If the passage does not close, a pouch – an inguinal hernia – can form within the belly lining. Inguinal Hernias in Infant Boys With inguinal hernias in infant boys, the short tunnel connects the abdominal cavity to the scrotum. This tunnel is how their testicles – which grow inside the abdomen before birth – move into the scrotum. How is an Inguinal Hernia Diagnosed? Infant inguinal hernias are typically spotted during a routine exam by your child’s pediatrician. A bulge near their groin will be apparent, making it easy to diagnose. If additional testing is needed to confirm, an ultrasound may be performed. Since nearly all cases of this condition are present at birth and are most common among infant boys, your child’s provider should take extra care to spot an inguinal hernia before it becomes an emergency. What is the Treatment for Inguinal Hernia? The treatment for your child’s inguinal hernia is pediatric inguinal hernia repair surgery. Rarely do inguinal hernias cause pain unless the intestines have moved through the open passageway and gotten stuck. If this happens, your child’s bulge will appear firm and red. This will require that your infant undergo an emergency hernia repair surgery. Why Does Your Child Need Surgical Intervention for an Inguinal Hernia? Inguinal hernias do not heal on their own. Treatment is necessary because incarceration or strangulation of the hernia is possible and can be extremely painful and dangerous. “These types of hernias are not typically caused by your child lifting something too heavy or straining. Rather, the defect is present at birth, and the straining leads to internal organs moving through the hole into the groin.” What is the Inguinal Hernia Procedure? The surgery to fix an inguinal hernia is a straightforward outpatient procedure that takes less than an hour: Your child’s pediatrician makes a tiny incision in the groin Any intestines that have shifted down are moved back into the abdomen, and the hernia sac is closed off. A camera may be inserted to see if a hernia is present on the other side. The hole is closed with dissolvable sutures, and the wound is covered with Steri-Strips or DERMABOND. Recovery from infant hernia surgery is quick. Your child can leave the hospital a few hours after the procedure and resume normal activities usually within 2 weeks. Why Choose Austin Pediatric Surgery for Your Child’s Inguinal Hernia Repair At Austin Pediatric Surgery, we are highly experienced in the classic open repair as well as laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair and perform scheduled and emergency surgeries. At our pediatric surgery center, we perform this procedure using a minimal incision and without using mesh or screens whenever possible. During the procedure, a tiny camera may be used to check for any secondary hernias. When the procedure is finished, dissolvable sutures are placed. Infant Hernia Surgery: Don’t Wait Because surgery is necessary for your child’s inguinal hernia, you want to choose a pediatric surgeon in Austin you can trust. Call and speak with a member of our team today for more information.

Describe your service here. What makes it great? Use short catchy text to tell people what you offer, and the benefits they will receive. A great description gets readers in the mood, and makes them more likely to go ahead and book.

Describe your service here. What makes it great? Use short catchy text to tell people what you offer, and the benefits they will receive. A great description gets readers in the mood, and makes them more likely to go ahead and book.

Describe your service here. What makes it great? Use short catchy text to tell people what you offer, and the benefits they will receive. A great description gets readers in the mood, and makes them more likely to go ahead and book.