Pediatric Surgery

Preparing Your Child for Surgery

We want to help you and your child prepare for your visit with us. Learn more about what you can expect when your child needs surgery and how to help them prepare.

• Watch a video about what to expect in Bismarck.
• Watch a video about what to expect in Fargo.
• Watch a video about what to expect in Sioux Falls.

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Providing Support for Your Child

Child life specialists are here to help your child and family ease their fears and cope through age-specific play, preparation and therapeutic activities. Through a variety of programs, activities and support groups, we make sure you and your child are empowered and supported.

Contact your Sanford Children’s clinic or hospital for more information.

Caring for Children in Our Hospitals

Sanford Children’s pediatric hospitalists are physicians who only provide care in a hospital setting. They treat children who are admitted to the emergency room or referred for hospitalization by their primary care doctor or a specialist.

Hospitalists stay in contact with your child’s primary care pediatrician and provide primary hospital care. They also coordinate specialist referrals during your child’s hospital stay.

View our pediatric hospitalists

Specialists in Keeping your Child Comfortable

Sanford Children’s anesthesiology and sedation provides pain relief and comfort to children during medical procedures, treatments or surgery.

Learn about the types of anesthesia your child could receive.

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Wound and Ostomy Services for Children

Working alongside the pediatric surgery team, the pediatric wound team focuses on complex wound care for children with acute, chronic or traumatic wounds.

Some types of wounds the team treats include:

• Burns
• Chronic wounds
• Eczema
• Granulation tissue
• New or established ostomy care
• Non-healing wounds
• Pressure injuries
• Surgical wounds

In Fargo, ND
The pediatric acute wound service (PAWS) team is led by a physician assistant with pediatric and neonatal wound care experience and American Board of Wound Management certification. Nurses on the PAWS team maintain training and certification in wound ostomy continence.

For physicians: To refer a patient in Fargo, call (701) 234-2431.

In Sioux Falls, SD
The team, led by a board-certified pediatric nurse practitioner, provides pediatric and neonatal wound and ostomy care to children in both inpatient and outpatient settings. They partner with child life, outpatient sedation and other subspecialties to provide comprehensive, coordinated care.

For physicians: To refer a patient in Sioux Falls, call (605) 312-1000.