700 Children's® – A Blog by Pediatric Experts

Posted by: Marc P. Michalsky, MD on Jan 08, 2026

Hearing your child needs gallbladder surgery can be scary—but knowing the options helps. Discover how traditional laparoscopic surgery and newer robotic-assisted surgery stack up in urgent cases, why both are safe and effective, and how robotic techniques may offer smaller scars and added precision for the surgical team.

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A graphic with a blue and orange diagonal background featuring a smartphone in the center. On the phone screen is a blue butterfly icon above the text “How to Talk to Kids About Anesthesia” At the top of the image, white text reads “Nationwide Children’s Hospital YouTube Short.”
Blog

How to Talk to Kids About Anesthesia
Are you wondering how to explain anesthesia to your child? Get tips from Dr. Ashley Smith, an anesthesiologist who works at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
A graphic with a blue and orange diagonal background featuring a smartphone in the center. On the phone screen is a blue butterfly icon above the text “5 Things to Know to Prep for Surgery.” At the top of the image, white text reads “Nationwide Children’s Hospital YouTube Short.”
Blog

5 Things to Know to Prepare for Surgery
Preparing for your child’s surgery can feel overwhelming. Learn five important things to know before the day of your child’s procedure to help keep them safe, comfortable and ready.
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About this Blog

Pediatric News You Can Use From America’s Largest Pediatric Hospital and Research Center

700 Children’s® features the most current pediatric health care information and research from our pediatric experts – physicians and specialists who have seen it all. Many of them are parents and bring a special understanding to what our patients and families experience. If you have a child – or care for a child – 700 Children’s was created especially for you.

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Latest Posts

What Are Signs of OCD in Children and Teens?

Jan 09, 2026

All kids have worries and doubts. But kids with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) often can’t stop worrying, no matter how much they want to. And those worries frequently compel them to behave in certain ways over and over again. Read More

How to Navigate the Internet for Health Information

Jan 09, 2026

Searching for health answers online? Get expert tips to help you identify accurate information and make smart decisions for your child’s care. Read More

What is Allergy Induced Asthma?

Jan 09, 2026

For many people with asthma, spring can be a very challenging time of the year. Rapid changes in the weather and lingering upper respiratory viruses can both cause breathing difficulties. Read More

A child is shown from the shoulders up, wearing a sleeveless patterned top. A small adhesive bandage is visible on the upper arm, indicating a recent vaccination. The child is giving a thumbs-up gesture with the opposite hand. The background is plain and light-colored, creating a simple and focused composition.

Vaccines: Frequently Asked Questions

Jan 09, 2026

News about vaccine schedule changes can feel confusing and even a little scary. This guide breaks down what’s different in the CDC’s 2026 childhood immunization schedule, which infections are still routinely covered, why all vaccines remain available and covered by insurance, and how to partner with your child’s pediatrician to make confident, informed decisions. Read More

Pets and Children

Pets and Children: Keeping Kids Safe When Animals Are in the Home

Jan 07, 2026

Dogs, cats, and other pets can be wonderful additions to the family. They can be fuzzy friends that provide love and companionship for many years. Unfortunately, even the most loving of pets can bite. Read More

Teen girl leaning against wall outside wearing a coat, group of kids in the background talking without her

Deadly Substances Teens Use to Get High

Jan 07, 2026

First published May 2015 Updated January 2026 When I was teenager, parents only had a few substances to really worry about: cigarettes, alcohol and, for those whose children were a little more daring, maybe marijuana. But times have changed. Read More

Why I Vaccinate: A Nurse's Perspective

Jan 07, 2026

It is my sincere hope, as both a mother and a nurse that no child ever suffers or dies from a preventable disease. That is why I choose vaccination. Read More

A young boy with a sad expression hugs an adult tightly around the waist. The adult gently holds the child, offering comfort and support.

When Pain Gets in the Way: What Parents Should Know

Jan 06, 2026

When a child lives with chronic pain, getting through the school day can feel impossible—for them and for you. Learn how pain-related thoughts (in kids and parents) can fuel school avoidance, and discover practical strategies to build routines, partner with the school, and help your child stay engaged and confident in the classroom. Read More