Meet Dr.Jeffrey Horwitz at Austin Pediatric Surgery! Learn more about how we're serving Central Texas. Jeffrey Horwitz, MD, FACS Meet Dr. Horwitz Dr. Horwitz grew up in Houston and has been proud to call Austin home since 1999. He treasures the support of his loving family, which includes his wife, Treva, their daughter, Aiden, and their three dogs, Gracie, Bella and Leo. When not caring for patients, Dr. Horwitz enjoys spending quality time with his family, seeing live music and trying new restaurants. His dedication to both his family and his work reflects his warm and compassionate approach to life and medicine. My Journey to Pediatric Surgery "I was drawn to the field of pediatric surgery because children are not just "small adults." They have some unique problems that require special surgical management. It is a very special thing for me to have the opportunity to make a difference in a child's life." My Clinical Focus "My clinical focus is in all areas of pediatric surgery, from removing lumps and bumps to correcting complex congenital anomalies." Services I Provide • Neonatal Surgery • Repair of Hernias and Hydroceles • Chest Wall Correction (Pectus Excavatum) • Circumcision • Minimally Invasive Surgery • Pediatric Cancer Surgery • Thyroid Surgery Degree & Training Medical School University of Texas Medical Branch Residency Medical College of Pennsylvania - General Surgery Mount Sinai Medical Center - General Surgery Fellowship Yale New Haven Hospital - Pediatric Surgery University of Texas Medical School - ECMO/Surgical Critical Care Board Certification American Board of Surgery - Pediatric Surgery American Board of Surgery - Surgical Critical Care American Board of Surgery - General 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 Dr.Aaron Beckwith at Austin Pediatric Surgery! Learn more about how we're serving Central Texas. Aaron Beckwith, MD Meet Dr. Beckwith Dr. Beckwith is a proud Southerner and a dedicated family person, married with a daughter and three rescue dogs. He had the privilege to serve in the United States Marine Corps and Air Force. He’s passionate about staying active, whether through outdoor adventures with his family or pursuing fitness goals. My Journey to Pediatric Surgery "My passion for healthcare is deeply rooted in my upbringing and life experiences. Inspired by my family’s volunteer work in my childhood community, I developed a strong sense of compassion and service early on. Growing up on a farm in Tennessee, I learned the value of hard work and problem-solving while fixing things. Through my military service, including deployments to Iraq and Syria, it reinforced my commitment to helping others. My life experiences have shaped my desire to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare field through pediatric surgery." My Clinical Focus “Variety is the spice of life” perfectly describes my clinical focus in pediatric surgery, which spans care for newborns to adults and encompasses everything from straightforward procedures to highly complex operations. I take great pride in performing minimally invasive surgeries, appreciating the benefits these techniques offer. I have additional interests including oncology, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), and pectus wall abnormalities. I am deeply committed to delivering the best possible outcomes for my patients and their families. " Services I Provide • Pediatric Hernia Surgery • Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) • Pectus Excavatum/Carinatum Treatment • Pediatric Trauma Care • Minimally Invasive Surgery (Laparoscopic/ Thoracoscopic) • Pediatric Cancer Surgery • Surgical care of the neonate • Pediatric Gastrointestinal Surgery Degree & Training Medical School Quillen College of Medicine - East Tennessee State University Residency University of Cincinnati Fellowship University of Michigan Board Certification American Board of Pediatric Surgery American Board of Surgery Memberships • American College of Surgeons • American Pediatric Surgical Association • Alpha Omega Alpha • Gold Humanism Honor Society Providing trusted care when it matters most GET IN TOUCH

Compassionate surgical care for imperforate anus and other colorectal disease and anorectal conditions, helping children thrive with expert solutions. Complex Congenital Colorectal Disease ANORECTAL MALFORMATIONS BOWEL MANAGEMENT At Austin Pediatric Surgery, we specialize in the comprehensive care of children with complex colorectal and bowel conditions. From congenital issues like anorectal malformations and Hirschsprung Disease to chronic constipation and fecal incontinence, our expert team offers individualized treatment plans designed to improve your child’s quality of life. We combine advanced surgical techniques with compassionate, family-centered care, guiding you through every step—from diagnosis and treatment to recovery and long-term bowel management. Our goal is to ensure your child thrives with predictable bowel function, enhanced self-esteem, and overall well-being. Anorectal Malformations Anorectal malformations (Imperforate Anus) are congenital defects where the anus is absent or improperly formed, preventing normal stool passage. This condition occurs in about 1 in 5,000 births. Types of Anorectal Malformations Absent Anal Opening: No opening for stool to pass. Misplaced or Small Anal Opening: Located incorrectly or too small. Fistula Connections: Abnormal connections between the rectum and the urinary system or vagina. Cloaca (Females): A single opening for the intestine, urethra, and vagina. Diagnosis Diagnosis is made through physical exams at birth and confirmed with additional tests for associated anomalies: Ultrasound: Evaluates kidneys. X-Ray: Checks intestine and spine. Echocardiogram: Assesses heart function. Treatment Low Rectum or Abnormal Opening Single surgery (anoplasty) moves or creates the anal opening. High Rectum with No Opening Three-Staged Surgery: Colostomy: Creates a stoma for stool passage. Neo-Anus Creation: Positions the rectum correctly and repairs fistulas. Colostomy Closure: Restores normal stool passage. Post-Surgical Care and Recovery Hospital Stay: Discharge occurs once feeding, bowel function, and pain are well-managed. Home Care: Includes ostomy care, preventing diaper rash, and managing constipation. Long-Term Management: Children with high rectal defects may require a bowel management program for proper function. Austin Pediatric Surgery is here to guide you through every step, ensuring the best outcomes for your child’s care and recovery. Contact us for support or consultation. Bowel Management Our Bowel Management Program is for children with constipation and/or fecal incontinence. We work with children and families to achieve a goal of predictable bowel movements to improve quality of life. This program is designed to avoid bowel accidents and diaper dependence, which can lead to remaining clean and improved self-esteem. We offer daily feedback via email or a phone call to achieve the individualized goals discussed at the initial meeting. Fecal incontinence can be a result of congenital conditions, constipation, or issues with muscle weakness or injury. Symptoms of this can be mild leakage of stool when passing gas to no control of bowel movements with daily accidents. Some congenital conditions our program will be successful for are: Imperforate anus/anorectal malformation Hirschsprung Disease Idiopathic constipation Fecal incontinence Cloacal exstrophy Spina bifida What to expect Your family will meet with the team to review the past medical and surgical history and type of bowel control issues your child is experiencing. After a physical exam and radiographic imaging, an individualized program will be created to achieve the goals of bowel control discussed for your child. This can be achieved with dietary changes, medications such as laxatives, and/or enemas. We understand the importance of daily communication, dedication, and teamwork between our medical providers and families to achieve success.

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.