Meet Dr.Tory Meyer at Austin Pediatric Surgery! Learn more about how we're serving Central Texas. Tory Meyer, MD, FACS Meet Dr. Meyer Dr. Meyer has enjoyed the beauty of the Austin area since 2000 when he moved here with his wife and three children. In addition to a busy surgical practice, he has served as Surgery Dept. Chair and Chief of Staff and is the former Chairman of the Pediatric Leadership Board. Dr. Meyer is a Clinical Assistant Professor at Dell Medical School and is the Medical Student Clerkship Director. He is also a board member of the Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center whose mission is to get children out in nature. My Journey to Pediatric Surgery "I was always the child who could fix broken things around the house and I enjoyed the manual dexterity required to repairing things. In college, I was blown away by the intricacy and logical construction of the human body during an anatomy course. Surgery appealed to me as a way to both fix a body that is broken and to help people emotionally through a difficult time in their lives. Taking care of children and their families, getting them better and back to their usual shenanigans has been immensely satisfying." My Clinical Focus "My goal in taking care of children is to address their surgical problem with the least invasive method possible. Many of the problems children have can be cured using laparoscopy or thoracoscopy, which can enable the child to recover quicker and with less pain. My special areas of focus include Hepatobiliary problems, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, and the treatment of children with pectus chest wall abnormalities." Services I Provide • Repair of Hernias and Hydroceles • Pectus Program • Resection of Abdominal and Chest Tumors • Removal of Skin Masses • Thoracoscopic Surgery of the Lung • Laparoscopic Surgery of the Abdomen Degree & Training Medical School Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons Residency University of Cincinnati Medical Center Fellowship Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center Board Certification American Board of Pediatric Surgery American Board of Surgery Memberships • American Academy of Pediatrics • American College of Surgeons • American Pediatric Surgical Association Providing trusted care when it matters most GET IN TOUCH

Meet the expert pediatric surgeons at Austin Pediatric Surgery. Dual board-certified and dedicated to delivering exceptional care to children in Central Texas. Meet your Team At Austin Pediatric Surgery, our highly skilled team works alongside pediatricians, family practitioners, pediatric anesthesiologists and other specialists to provide the highest standard of care for children. Our surgeons are experienced in treating a wide range of conditions and are always available to answer your questions, ensuring a seamless, compassionate care experience. Every member of our team is committed to making your child’s care as comfortable and stress-free as possible, combining advanced expertise with a warm, patient-centered approach. Surgeons Our Pediatric Surgeons Pediatric surgeons are uniquely trained to perform surgeries on infants, children, and adolescents. After completing medical school, they undergo extensive training, including five years in general surgery and two additional years in pediatric surgery fellowships. At Austin Pediatric Surgery, all our surgeons are dual board-certified in both adult general surgery and pediatric surgery, ensuring the highest level of expertise and care. With ongoing recertification, they combine advanced surgical skills with a compassionate approach tailored to meet the unique needs of each child and their family. Dr. Aaron Beckwith LEARN MORE Dr. Julia Chen LEARN MORE Dr. Nilda Garcia LEARN MORE Dr. Dani Gonzalez LEARN MORE Dr. Erich Grethel LEARN MORE Dr. Jeffrey Horwitz LEARN MORE Dr. Michael Josephs LEARN MORE Dr. Tory Meyer LEARN MORE Dr. Jessica Naiditch LEARN MORE Dr. Ankur Rana LEARN MORE Dr. Julie Sanchez LEARN MORE Advanced Practice Providers Our advanced practice providers are highly skilled healthcare professionals integral to our care team. With advanced training and expertise, they diagnose and manage a wide spectrum of medical conditions, including chronic diseases, while working in close collaboration with our physicians to ensure seamless, comprehensive care. Focused on personalized attention, they emphasize prevention, patient education and overall wellness, providing a trusted and compassionate resource for navigating your child’s healthcare journey. Jennifer Brown APRN, FNP-C, CPNP-AC Brianna Burg APRN, CPNP-AC/PC Amy Clarkson APRN, CPNP-AC Jessie Cowen DNP, APRN, CPNP-AC/PC Lisa Cronin PA-C Crystal Freeman PA-C Tamra Freeman APRN, FNP-C Julia Freitag PA-C Amy Gann APRN, CPNP-AC/PC Sarah Goldshtrom APRN, CPNP-AC/PC Lisa Gonzales APRN, CPNP-AC/PC Genny Konicke PA-C Anika Lockhart APRN, CPNP-AC Megan Malfer APRN, FNP-C, CPNP-AC Ashley Noboa APRN, FNP-C, CPNP-AC Amy Powell APRN, CPNP-AC Michelle Pullin APRN, CPNP-AC Laura Seris APRN, CPNP-AC Rachael Talentowski APRN, CPNP-AC Jordyn Thorpe APRN, CPNP-AC Tammie Warren APP MANAGER APRN, CPNP-AC/PC Clinical Staff Our clinical staff provides essential support to our surgeons and midlevel providers, ensuring efficient, compassionate care for every patient. Their dedication and expertise create a welcoming environment where families feel confident and well cared for. Reyna Arenas, RN, CPN CLINICAL MANAGER Candy Hernandez, LVN CENTRAL OFFICE Sarah James, RN, BSN CHEST WALL/ PECTUS PROGRAM Kerri Larkin, RN CENTRAL OFFICE Sonia Martinez, LVN CENTRAL OFFICE Cynthia Perry, RN NORTH OFFICE Eva Serrato, MA CENTRAL OFFICE Cheryl Scardino, BSN, RN BOWEL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM Support Staff Our dedicated support staff plays a vital role in ensuring your family's experience is seamless and stress-free. From scheduling appointments to answering your questions, they’re here to provide friendly and knowledgeable assistance every step of the way. Ruth Carter OFFICE MANAGER Bianey Chairez CENTRAL OFFICE Adrian DeLaCruz NORTH OFFICE Cristina Gonzalez BILLING MANAGER Anessa Guerrero CENTRAL OFFICE Karen Hunt LEAD SCHEDULER Victor Montalvo BILLING Yesica Portillo CENTRAL OFFICE Rosa Quispe-Brooks BILLING Jennifer Rodriguez BILLING Elizabeth Suarez SURGERY SCHEDULER

Austin Pediatric Surgery offers advanced care for your child from experienced pediatric surgeons. We specialize in treating infants, children and adolescents with expertise and compassion. Expert Pediatric Surgical Care When Your Child Needs It Most MEET YOUR TEAM Austin Pediatric Surgery We understand how important your child’s health is to you. Our dedicated team of pediatric surgeons is here to provide advanced surgical care for infants, children and teens throughout Austin and Central Texas. Whether your child needs a simple procedure or a more complex surgery, we’re here to guide and support you every step of the way. Our Doctors Meet our Pediatric Surgeons Dr. Aaron Beckwith LEARN MORE Dr. Julia Chen LEARN MORE Dr. Nilda Garcia LEARN MORE Dr. Dani Gonzalez LEARN MORE Dr. Erich Grethel LEARN MORE Dr. Jeffrey Horwitz LEARN MORE Dr. Michael Josephs LEARN MORE Dr. Tory Meyer LEARN MORE Dr. Jessica Naiditch LEARN MORE Dr. Ankur Rana LEARN MORE Dr. Julie Sanchez LEARN MORE MEET YOUR TEAM Comprehensive Pediatric Surgical Services We specialize in caring for infants, children and adolescents who need surgical intervention for common conditions identified by their primary care providers. Many of these conditions can be effectively treated with minimally invasive surgery. Our highly skilled pediatric surgeons perform these minimally invasive procedures using small incisions rather than a single large one. This approach often results in quicker recovery times and less pain compared to traditional surgery. Hernias Head & Neck Oncology Chest Wall Deformities Inflammatory Bowel Disease Gastrointestinal Surgery Complex Thoracic Surgery Neonatal Surgery Liver & Gallbladder Colorectal Disease Pediatric Trauma Skin Masses & Infections Genitourinary Ovarian Masses & Cysts Breast Disorders What Our Patients Say "Some of the best physicians we have come across for my daughters care team. We require a lot of upfront and close care and these guys do it all! Aside From my mom meltdowns, having a special needs child is hard and knowing someone has your back and understands your needs and desires makes me ecstatic. The communication is superb ( better than any office if come across ), the care is phenomenal, and the overall care was way more than I could have asked for. Would 1000% recommend! " - Reba R. Why Choose Us Why Choose Austin Pediatric Surgery? Our commitment to excellence, accessibility and compassionate care sets us apart. Here’s why families and physicians across Central Texas trust us with their pediatric surgical needs: 01 Decades of Experience & Depth of Expertise Established in 1975, we have a highly skilled team of 11 fellowship-trained pediatric surgeons offering unmatched expertise in pediatric surgical care across a wide range of specialties, from routine procedures to complex conditions. 02 Trusted, Local Care As the only dedicated pediatric surgery group in the area, we’ve been caring for Central Texas families for nearly 50 years. Families don’t need to travel to Dallas, Houston or San Antonio to receive top-quality surgical care. 03 Compassionate, Family-Centered Approach We believe in treating every patient and family with the same compassion, dedication and respect that we’d want for our own loved ones. Our family-centered care model prioritizes direct communication, empathy and a comforting experience. 04 World-Class Programs & Advanced Techniques From our Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center—the only one in Central Texas—to specialized programs for chest wall deformities and colorectal care, we offer advanced, minimally invasive techniques to ensure the best outcomes for children. 05 Exceptional Accessibility We know that timely care is critical, which is why our surgeons are available for same-day appointments and direct communication. Our team is here 24/7, providing the highest level of care when families need it most. 06 Commitment to Local Health & Education We proudly lead injury prevention initiatives, support local health education through our annual trauma conference and contribute to community outreach efforts. Our Promise to Families Surgery can be a stressful experience for both children and parents, so we do our best to create a supportive, calming environment where families feel at ease. From your first consult through follow-up care, we’re committed to keeping your child’s journey as smooth and worry-free as possible.

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.