M. Sid Dassinger III, M.D.
Pediatric surgeon, chief of pediatric general surgery at Arkansas Children’s and professor of pediatric surgery at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Q: What common pediatric conditions are treated surgically at Arkansas Children’s?
A: In Arkansas Children’s general surgery clinic, our board-certified, fellowship-trained pediatric surgeons provide care to over 3,000 children each year for everything from congenital anomalies to swallowed batteries. We treat a significant number of children with appendicitis or any type of hernia. Pyloric stenosis and pilonidal disease are other common conditions.
Q: What rare conditions does Arkansas Children’s Level 1 surgery center treat?
A: Our team removes cysts from the bile ducts and liver. We also surgically repair chest wall deformities like pectus excavatum (sunken chest) or pectus carinatum (pigeon chest). Arkansas Children’s Hospital has a dedicated colorectal clinic for children with complex colorectal conditions. And, of course, we remove malignant and benign tumors.
Q: Why is pediatric specialty training important for a surgery team?
A: At Arkansas Children’s, every single member of a child’s surgery team has specialized training for treating the physical, mental and emotional needs of a child undergoing surgery. Surgeons, nurses, anesthesiologists and child life specialists with pediatric-specific training give every child the best opportunity for an excellent outcome and positive experience.
Q: When does Arkansas Children’s offer mental health support after surgery?
A: Every child experiences surgery and the circumstances leading to surgery differently. A child might have PTSD after an ATV accident leads to injuries requiring surgery. Or a child might experience depression after a tumor is identified. We screen every patient for mental health issues and offer individualized support as needed.
To learn more about the surgical services at Arkansas Children’s, call 501.443.7423 or visit archildrens.org/pedsurgery.
1 Children’s Way
Little Rock, AR 72202
501.322.6422
