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Pediatric Surgery

Surgery is a scary word, especially when it pertains to your child. The team at HSHS St. John's Children’s are committed to making sure your questions are answered, and you and your child feel comfortable and safe before, during and after surgery.

Young boy flexing his muscles with boxing gloves

The pediatric surgeons at HSHS St. John’s Children’s Hospital specialize in the repair of congenital and acquired conditions in infants, children and adolescents. The faithful, board-certified pediatric surgery team works closely with our other pediatric specialists, pediatric anesthesiologists, nurse practitioners and certified medical assistants. 

Our surgeons use minimally invasive, or laparoscopic or thoracoscopic techniques, whenever medically suitable. In most cases, our surgical patients experience shorter lengths of stay in the hospital due to these less invasive procedures.

Pre-registration information

Before you bring your child in for surgery, please call 217-535-3797 to pre-register or pre-register online. Pre-registration is open Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. This will ensure an easier check in on the day of surgery.  

If your child has special needs relating to a disability, hearing disorder or if he/she needs an interpreter, please call St. John's Case Management Services Department at 217-544-6464, ext. 2045095, between the hours of 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday. After 4:30 p.m. and on weekends, please call 217-544-6464 and dial "0" for the operator.

Please bring legal guardianship documents for the child to the hospital that day and leave all valuables at home.

Pediatric anesthesia clinic

St. John's offers a free, pre-operative Pediatric Anesthesia Clinic to help address parents' questions and concerns about anesthesia and pain management and to allow an anesthesiologist to conduct an anesthesia evaluation on the child before surgery. Clinic hours are 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. If possible, schedule the appointment at least one week before surgery. To make an appointment, call 217-544-6464, ext. 2051946 or ext. 2051947. 

HSHS St. John's Children's Hospital patient stories

Arayna’s Story
When Arayna couldn’t perform ballet following surgery, the nurses at HSHS St. John’s Hospital brought a performance to her.
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HSHS St. John’s Hospital Cares About Kids
The child life program specialists with the child life program at HSHS St. John's Hospital help prepare children and their families for hospitalization, surgery and other procedures by using a variety of educational, medical and distraction tools.
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Jax’s Story
Jax’s special story is one of inspiration and a team of doctors and surgeons that know how special every life is. 
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