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Request your appointment online with Austin Pediatric Surgery. Request Appointment Please call 911 if you have a medical emergency Cancellation / No Show Policy Please call to cancel or reschedule an appointment at least 24 hours prior to the appointment you cannot attend. Patients who fail to show up for an appointment, or fail to cancel an appointment more than once, will be billed a charge of $25 per missed appointment. (512) 708-1234

Expert care for cysts, abscesses and skin masses. Safe and effective treatment tailored to children’s needs. Skin Masses & Infections SKIN MASSES SKIN INFECTIONS PILONIDAL DISEASE Our pediatric surgeons specialize in diagnosing and treating a variety of skin masses and infections, ensuring your child receives expert and compassionate care. Skin Masses What are Skin Masses? Skin masses are lumps or bumps beneath the skin, most often benign and non-cancerous. Possible Diagnoses Include: Cysts: Dermoid, epidermoid, or pilonidal cysts Malformations: Lymphatic or vascular malformations Growths: Lipomas, pilomatrixomas, or neurofibromas Rare Conditions: Pyogenic granulomas, skin tags, or liposarcomas Diagnosis and Treatment Diagnosis is based on a physical exam, sometimes aided by ultrasound. Surgery to remove the mass is often recommended and typically performed as an outpatient procedure under anesthesia. Skin Infections What are Skin Infections? Skin infections can cause abscesses, which are pockets of infected fluid beneath the skin. Treatment Incision and Drainage (I&D): A small surgical cut drains the abscess, often leaving a temporary drain in place. Home Care: Wound cleaning with warm soapy water; antibiotics may be prescribed. Follow-Up: Drain removal occurs 7-14 days after surgery in our office. The surgeons at Austin Pediatric Surgery are experienced in treating skin masses and infections, ensuring safe and effective care for your child. We can often see patients on the same day symptoms arise. Contact us to schedule a consultation. Pilonidal Disease Pilonidal Disease is a very common condition in the lower back/buttock cleft where a cyst can form and the area become infected. Symptoms can range from asymptomatic to mild infections to severe abscesses and open wounds. There is a range of treatments depending on the severity of disease and the presence of infection.

Austin Pediatric Surgery treats Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and IBD with specialized surgical care designed for children’s unique needs. Inflammatory Bowel Disease CROHN’S DISEASE ULCERATIVE COLITIS IBD UNSPECIFIED Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an immune mediated inflammation of the intestines which can afflict pediatric patients. Although most IBD in children is treated with medicines, some children require surgical care for complex disease. The team at Austin Pediatric Surgery is committed to the care of children with IBD. We offer advanced treatments using minimally invasive techniques, such as laparoscopic ileocecectomy and colectomy with ileoanal pouch reconstruction. We work as a team with gastroenterologist to ensure you and your children receive the best multidisciplinary care we can provide. Dr. Jessica Naiditch is a board certified pediatric surgeon who has a special interest in IBD and leads the surgical IBD team at APS. Crohn’s Disease What is it? Crohn’s Disease causes inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract and can affect any portion of the intestines. It can result in strictures, fistulas, or blockages in the bowel. Signs and Symptoms Abdominal pain, fatigue, weight loss Persistent diarrhea or rectal bleeding Mouth ulcers or skin infections Possible effects on the liver, kidneys, and joints Evaluation and Diagnosis Diagnosis involves stool and blood tests, imaging (MRI/CT scans), and endoscopy with biopsies to confirm inflammation and disease extent. Treatment Medications: Steroids, immunomodulators, or biologics Surgery: Reserved for complications like bowel narrowing or fistulas, focusing on preserving intestinal length Follow-Up Care Ongoing gastroenterology follow-ups with nutritional and surgical monitoring are essential to maintain growth and minimize symptoms. Ulcerative Colitis (UC) What is it? UC is an inflammatory condition affecting the colon (large intestine)’s inner lining, causing pain, diarrhea, and bloody stool. Unlike Crohn’s, UC is limited to the colon and rectum. Signs and Symptoms Abdominal pain, weight loss, bloody diarrhea Symptoms outside the intestine, such as joint or skin issues Evaluation and Diagnosis Similar to Crohn’s, diagnosis requires bloodwork, imaging, and colonoscopy with biopsies to assess inflammation and disease progression. Treatment Medications: Similar to Crohn’s Surgery: Removal of the colon with reconstruction of the intestinal pathway (ileoanal pull-through procedure) can be curative Follow-Up Care Close monitoring with both surgical and gastroenterology teams ensures proper healing and growth. IBD Unspecified (IBDU) What is it? IBDU is diagnosed when symptoms overlap between Crohn’s and UC. It is more common in children and often requires less medical treatment. Treatment and Follow-Up Managed similarly to other IBD types, with an emphasis on monitoring symptoms and minimizing interventions. At Austin Pediatric Surgery, we are committed to helping your child manage IBD with expert care, whether through advanced medical treatments or surgery. Contact us for compassionate guidance tailored to your child’s needs.

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.