Expert, compassionate surgical care for children of all ages

The region's only Level 1 Children's Surgery Center 

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.

Specialized general 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 for surgery?

CHoR is one of only a few dozen children's hospitals 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.

More than pediatric surgery: Pediatric anesthesia, robotic surgery, enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) and more

• Our anesthesia team works closely with the surgery team before, during and after surgery to ensure the safety and comfort for our patients. Our anesthesia team has specialty training to care for even the smallest and sickest patients, and they're available at any point a need arises – day or night.
• Our surgeons use robotic and minimally invasive techniques when possible for precise surgery and quick recovery.
• We follow an enhanced recovery after surgery program to ensure we'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.

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