Specialized surgery for children
When your child needs surgery, you want a surgeon with advanced, specialized training to care for the special needs of young patients. That’s who you’ll find at Corewell Health Helen DeVos Children's Hospital (part of Corewell Health Grand Rapids Hospitals). In addition to achieving board certification in general surgery, our surgeons receive years of fellowship training in pediatric surgery. They work with your family to determine the right approach for your infant, child, or teenager.
General surgery treats many areas of the body, including the abdomen (belly), glands, head and neck. Thoracic surgery focuses on the chest, including the lungs and esophagus (food pipe).
Your child will be in good hands with Spectrum Health pediatric surgeons, who can treat many common and rare problems:
We want to make your child’s surgical experience as easy as possible. That’s why your pediatric surgeon will take the least invasive approach, using small incisions or no incisions to reduce pain, scarring and recovery time.
To perform a minimally invasive procedure, a surgeon may insert a thin tube with a light and camera into your child’s body to see inside and guide treatment. This tube can help examine the:
We know you try to help your child feel calm and comfortable before a visit to the doctor’s office. So our staff do, too. Our nurses and pediatric surgeons know how to connect with kids and make medical care more fun.
During your first appointment, you can expect the pediatric surgeon to review your child’s medical history and perform a physical exam. If the doctor recommends surgery, we’ll help you schedule the procedure and any tests your child must get before treatment.
Rest assured, our surgical team will determine the safest and most effective use of anesthesia or sedation for your little one’s needs. Our specialists in pediatric anesthesiology tailor each step of the process to your child and answer your questions along the way to help both of you feel at ease.
Like any medical procedure, general or thoracic surgery carries some health risks, such as bleeding or infection. Talk to your doctor about the:
Your family is the focus of a team of pediatric experts led by board-certified physicians who specialize in treating and caring for children. All our professionals work together to give your child seamless, coordinated care.
Helps your child understand surgery and feel calmer about treatment
Treats cancer in children
Oversees the care of sick newborns
Diagnoses and treats behavioral concerns
Helps your child get ready for surgery and supports the surgeon during treatment
Uses imaging to diagnose health problems or guide treatment
Prevents pain and monitors your child’s health during surgery
Performs your child’s procedure
Cares for blood disorders in children
Connects your family with resources to pay for care or make life easier
Provides critical care after surgery
Find locations for Corewell Health Helen DeVos Children's Hospital (part of Corewell Health Grand Rapids Hospitals) general and thoracic surgery services.
Receive care before and after surgery at Helen DeVos Children’s Outpatient Center in Grand Rapids. Find us at 330 Barclay Avenue NE, across the street from the Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital (part of Corewell Health Grand Rapids Hospitals) emergency department entrance.
Take advantage of free, handicap-accessible parking next to our building in Ramp 8.
Work with your child’s care team to determine the right location for his or her surgery. We perform pediatric general and thoracic surgeries at:
We’ll make it as easy as possible for you to park and get to the right place—so you can focus on your child. Find information about valet parking and free self-parking at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital. When you check-in, we’ll help you find the surgery department.
Use MyChart to schedule appointments, access test results and communicate with your child's care team.