Complex Neonatal Surgery

Complex neonatal surgery is done to fix a birth defect in a newborn or infant.

While still in the womb, some babies have problems with how their organs and body parts form, how they work, or how their bodies turn food into energy. These health problems are called birth defects.

There are more than 4,000 different types of birth defects. In fact, in the U.S., approximately 1 out of every 33 babies is born with a birth defect. Many birth defects are very minor and need little to no treatment. Others are very serious conditions and require medical and/or surgical treatment.

If a baby is born with a part of the body or an organ that is missing or malformed, it is called a structural birth defect. Heart defects are the most common type of structural defect. Others include defects in the:

Abdominal wall
Urinary system
Rectum
Spinal cord
Airway
Diaphragm
Prenatal masses
Other congenital malformations

For many babies born with a congenital condition that requires surgical intervention and correction, only one surgery may be necessary. However, if your baby has a complex condition, additional surgeries may be necessary as your child grows.

Your neonatologists will discuss your baby's condition and long-term needs with you and with your pediatrician to help you plan and prepare for your child's needs.

We're here to help.

If you are interested in scheduling a tour of our NICU, please call 682-885-4375. You can find information on how to refer a patient or other NICU contact information here.