The Division of Pediatric Surgery at the Fletcher Allen Health Care deals with the entire range of surgical diseases in Children. The full spectrum of modern technologies is available including minimally invasive techniques. The Division of Pediatric Surgery works closely with the Division of Pediatric Anesthesia to develop and employ the most advanced anesthetic techniques, including regional anesthetics, to minimize the stress of surgery for pediatric patients. Pediatric Surgical patients at Fletcher Allen Health Care are completely integrated into a family-based experience. Nurses and ancillary personnel are all experienced and trained to work with children and their families as employees of the Vermont Children's Hospital in the clinics, in the operating room, and, should admission to the inpatient facility be necessary, on the pediatric floors. State-of-the-art Pediatric Intensive care units for neonates and older children are on site and staffed by trained intensivists. For elective procedures one parent is often encouraged to go to the operating room with the child for their induction under anesthesia. (Parents cannot remain in the operating room during surgical procedures.) The entire operating room experience is designed to minimize the trauma of surgery for the child and their family. All attending surgeons are board certified in their general and sub-specialties for the care of children. This is a particularly important issue for the appropriate care of children. Fletcher Allen Health Care has the distinction of being the first rural hospital to have been named a Pediatric Regional Referral Hospital for injured children by the American College of Surgeons. The staff is world-renowned for their surgical practices and contributions to the care of children, particularly regarding the most seriously injured. Appointments are generally available within four days for surgical consultation. Physicians referring directly can request consultation on a more urgent basis if deemed appropriate. Attending Surgeons are available on a 24/7 schedule. Pediatric Surgery is a specialized area dealing with the mechanical needs of the pediatric and adolescent patient undergoing the stress of a planned or emergency surgical procedure. The specialty is a demanding multidisciplinary service utilizing the joint efforts of the Department of Pediatrics of Fletcher Allen Health Care as well as a group of dedicated and specialized nurses to maximize the outcomes of children undergoing surgery as well as making their experience as pleasant as possible.

Appointments can be made by calling the office (802)-847-4273 between 8am and 5pm on weekdays.

Kennith Sartorelli, M.D.
Chief, Division of Pediatric Surgery