700 Children's® – A Blog by Pediatric Experts

Posts About Surgical Services

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.”
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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.”
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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

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Common Breast Disorders in Adolescents

Dec 02, 2022

Adolescence can be a challenging time for teenagers. During that time, their bodies grow and change. One common area of change in teenagers is the chest area. These changes may include macromastia, asymmetric breasts or gynecomastia. Read More

Lawnmower Safety

Lawnmowers: 5 Tips to Keep Your Children Safe

Jun 20, 2022

In the spring and summer, you often hear the familiar humming sound of lawnmowers. These common machines that are used multiple times each week by teenagers and adults present a danger to children. Learn more about how to prevent these injuries. Read More

Child with a balloon and doctor

Why I Became a Pediatric Surgical Oncologist

Nov 29, 2021

Dr. Jennie Aldrink tells her story of how she became a part of the pediatric cancer center and helped develop Nationwide Children's Hospital's pediatric surgical oncology clinic. Read More

Surgeon using robotics.

Robotic Surgery: Advancements in the Operating Room

Oct 25, 2021

Robotic-assisted, laparoscopic surgery can be used for many common operations, on kids of all ages and involves surgeons who are trained in pediatric urology and/or pediatric general and thoracic surgery. Nationwide Children’s currently has 11 surgeons certified to perform surgery using DaVinci. Read More

mother and daughter sitting on a couch

How to Keep a Child Still at Home While Recovering from Surgery

Jun 22, 2021

Recovering after surgery is an individualized experience. In many cases, it is important to keep your body still for safety and to promote continued coping throughout recovery. Read More

mother and daughter hugging

Emotionally Prepare Your Child for Surgery

Mar 31, 2021

It is important to prepare your child for their upcoming surgery in an age-appropriate and honest way while validating emotions such as uncertainty or nervousness. Read More

image of a smiling toddler boy

Hydronephrosis: A Defense Mechanism for the Kidneys

Oct 04, 2018

Hydronephrosis is a radiology term describing fluid buildup within the kidney. It is like a defense mechanism for the kidney when urine is slow to drain. Stretching of the kidney allows the backpressure of urine to be more evenly distributed. This may help to limit or slow down some of the potential damage to the kidney from urine backing up abnormally. Read More

Teenage girl walking through a field of grass.

Breast Reduction Surgery: When Is It Necessary for a Young Woman?

Mar 02, 2018

Breast size can be affected by weight fluctuations, so it is important to be at a stable, healthy weight for at least six months to one year prior to considering surgery. Read More