Where your child has surgery matters. Do the anesthesiologists and surgeons have specific training in caring for kids? Are pediatric specialists available 24/7? Are safety measures keenly followed and improved upon? If you ask these questions at CHoR, the answer is yes – one of the many reasons we’ve been reverified as a Level I Children’s Surgery Center by the American College of Surgeons Children’s Surgery Verification Quality Improvement Program.
Skylar Gregory’s pediatrician sent her to CHoR at just 6 days old after she developed sepsis and meningitis. During an emergency liver and gastrointestinal surgery, our doctors discovered she had a number of congenital defects. Since then, the 9-year-old has had more than 20 surgeries at CHoR. The most recent was a 12-hour operation in November 2023 to create a new bladder from a portion of her intestines and reroute her kidneys and ureters.
“Skylar is representative of the type of patient that benefits from the multi-disciplinary approach offered at CHoR,” said Dr. Tony Herndon, surgeon-in-chief for CHoR and the surgeon who performed the complex procedure. “Our children’s surgeons and pediatric sub-specialists have cared for her since birth and take great pride in seeing her blossom into a vibrant and energetic youngster. At every step, our commitment to quality and safety has been front and center for our teams as we participate in the care of Skylar and her family.”
“She feels so much better. She’s not having stomach pain and fevers from kidney infections. Ultrasounds show this is the healthiest her kidneys have looked since she was born,” said Skylar’s mom, Erica Holmes, who appreciates the expertise and attention given to her daughter.
The team effort extends beyond the physicians in the operating room and clinic.
“Child life – oh my gosh – Siri would come down before surgery and bring her all the things,” Erica added. “Skylar has a hard time getting anesthesia, so Siri gowned up and walked all the way back to the OR with her to help keep her calm and comfortable.”
In addition to Dr. Herndon and Dr. Tim Bunchman who follow Skylar closely for her urology and kidney concerns, she sees a number of pediatric subspecialists at CHoR for her other conditions. The team collaborates internally and with key people outside the hospital to care for all of Skylar’s needs.
“Any time I’ve called or had a question about caring for her, the team has always been able to answer those questions. Dr. Herndon has been with her so long and knows how complicated her anatomy is. Even if a problem isn’t related to her kidneys, he can help with consultations,” Erica said. “Nurse Ann Roper was very helpful with the accommodations needed as Sky transitioned back to school after surgery. The school nurse would call Ann as things came up and she answered questions throughout the process.”
Skylar just finished third grade and has big plans for the summer.
“Her confidence in school has improved. She used to be sick a lot and could be out for three weeks at a time. She ended the school year with great attendance,” added Mom. “This summer is the first time Sky can go away and spend the night. She’s going to summer camp and is happy to have friends over. She can do all the things the other kids are doing.”
Palmer Peebles was 17 days old when he had surgery at CHoR. From his first night at home after birth, he was spitting up and within a week had lost 2 pounds. His parents took him to an emergency room close to home.
“They did a bunch of tests and scans at 8 days old. They did the barium swallow test with an x-ray and noticed he had what they thought was a malformation of his colon because the barium didn’t go past a certain point. They could tell his stomach was full, but he wasn’t giving us any dirty diapers and barely any wet ones,” said Palmer’s mom, Melissa.
The Peebles were sent to CHoR for surgery with Drs. Jason Sulkowski and Laura Boomer to fix the malformation. During the surgery, they discovered that wasn’t the issue at all. Palmer’s stomach, colon and large intestine were compacted, causing his stomach to be distended. They performed a biopsy and a few days later results pointed to a diagnosis of Hirschsprung’s disease, a condition caused by missing nerve cells in the colon responsible for stimulating the muscles and moving contents through. Palmer came back in for an endo-rectal pull surgery to remove the section of the colon with Hirschsprung’s and reattach the remaining pieces.
Palmer turned 1 in April and is doing great. He’s getting close to walking and loves his cat, dog, watching Bluey, and dancing with Mom and Dad.
“Our surgical teams, led by Drs. Tony Herndon, Patricia Lange and Jeffrey Haynes, provide unbeatable care for kids,” said Elias Neujahr, CHoR president. “Completing the verification, and now the reverification, process to be named a Level I Children’s Surgery Center underscores the meticulous attention they give to delivering quality, safe and personalized care to kids like Skylar, Palmer and thousands of others who turn to CHoR each year. I’m tremendously proud of the entire CHoR team that supports the care of these kids and families.”
We were originally verified in 2020. The reverification is valid until 2026.
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