Our team of pediatric surgeons specializes in diagnosing and treating gastrointestinal conditions in children. From common issues like appendicitis to complex conditions like bowel obstructions, we provide expert care designed to help your child recover quickly and comfortably.
Appendicitis
What is it?
Appendicitis occurs when the appendix becomes blocked and inflamed, often requiring surgery. It is one of the most common reasons otherwise healthy children need surgery.
​
Signs and Symptoms
-
Abdominal pain, typically on the right side
-
Nausea, vomiting, fever, and loss of appetite
​
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on symptoms, lab tests, and ultrasound. Additional imaging such as CT scans or MRI may be needed to make the diagnosis.
​
Treatment
Most cases require laparoscopic surgery to remove the appendix. In certain cases, antibiotics alone may be considered.
​
Follow-Up Care
Recovery depends on the surgery performed. Contact your surgeon for any concerns.
Meckel’s Diverticulum
What is it?
This congenital condition involves an outpouching in the small intestine, sometimes can cause bleeding.
Signs and Symptoms
-
Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting
-
Bleeding or blockages
​
Diagnosis
Tests like a Meckel’s scan or CT scan can be helpful to confirm the condition.
​
Treatment
Surgical removal via laparoscopic or open surgery is performed for symptomatic cases.
Intestinal (Bowel) Obstruction
What is it?
An obstruction prevents food or stool from passing through the intestine, caused by scar tissue, twisting, or congenital conditions.
​
Signs and Symptoms
-
Abdominal pain, vomiting, bloating
-
Inability to pass gas
​
Diagnosis
Imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans confirm the blockage.
​
Treatment
Initial care includes bowel rest, IV fluids, decompression of the intestine with a tube in the nose and possibly surgery for severe cases.
Gastrostomy Placement
What is a Gastrostomy?
A gastrostomy is when the stomach is connected to the abdominal wall using sutures to form a tract between the stomach and the skin.
​
What is a G-button?
A G-button (also called a gastrostomy button, gastrostomy tube, or G-tube) is a small tube that is surgically placed into the stomach through a small cut in the abdomen. This is a long-term and more sturdy way to receive medications and nutrition when oral feeding is not sufficient or deemed unsafe.
​
Device Management
You will learn to give feeds and medications through the G-button/G-tube. You will also learn how to clean the area once or twice a day and connect/disconnect the tubing. G-button changes are done as needed and at minimum every 6 months routinely. This can be done in the clinic or at home and is not a painful procedure. Nutrition is managed by the pediatrician, dietitian, or gastroenterology. The device itself is managed by your surgical team or the g-tube nurse practitioner.
​
How Long is the G-button in Place?
The G-button or G-tube can remain for as long as your child needs it based on their medical condition. If all nutrition and medications are sufficiently taken orally, your primary physicians will give clearance to remove the G-button. The site will either close spontaneously or will require surgical closure.
Esophageal Disorders
We specialize in the full spectrum of pediatric esophageal disorders (such as achalasia, congenital esophageal stenosis, esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula, duplication cysts, reflux) in infants and children and work collaboratively with other specialists to provide a tailored multidisciplinary treatment plan for your child's specific disorder.
Other Abdominal Surgery
Austin Pediatric Surgery provides expert care for various abdominal conditions requiring surgical intervention. Beyond common procedures like appendectomies and treatments for inflammatory bowel disease, our skilled team addresses complex conditions such as spleen disorders, adhesion-related obstructions and rare gallbladder anomalies. With advanced training in pediatric and minimally invasive techniques, the surgeons ensure precise, compassionate care tailored to each child’s needs.
Every procedure is approached with the goal of achieving the best outcomes while prioritizing comfort and safety for young patients and their families. Please contact us to learn more.