Skilled surgeons at Riley Children’s Health perform the full array of pediatric surgeries and also lead the hospital’s Level I Pediatric Trauma Center. Our surgical team continues to increase the use of minimally invasive surgical techniques, including thoracoscopy, laparoscopy and robotic surgery, as well as therapeutic interventions, such as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). PEDIATRIC SURGERY
RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS
■ Riley Children’s Health Pediatric Surgery Basic Science Research Laboratory – With continuous funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other major funders, the lab, directed by Troy A. Markel, MD , studies necrotizing enterocolitis and its impact on premature infants. Final preclinical testing is underway to launch a clinical trial of stem cells as a therapeutic option for infants with the disease. ■ Participant in NIH-funded ENRICH-US—the largest study ever for the implementation of ERAS protocols for intestinal surgery in children.
Specialized programs
Advanced procedures ■ Minimally invasive surgery offered for newborn conditions of esophageal atresia, congenital disorders of the diaphragm and congenital lung lesions. ■ Malone Antegrade Continence Enema (MACE) tube placements treat fecal incontinence. Quality and safety initiatives ■ Initiated a surgery-first protocol to treat choledocholithiasis that decreases cost by reducing unnecessary testing and length of stay. ■ Converted simple appendicitis cases to strictly outpatient procedures to reduce length of stay and improve patient experience. We also offer options for nonsurgical management of routine cases of appendicitis, avoiding surgery altogether in some cases.
TOP DISTINCTIONS
Parenteral Support and Intestinal Rehabilitation (PAIR) Program ■ Multidisciplinary team optimizes intestinal adaptation and improves outcomes for children with intestinal failure and short bowel syndrome. Chest Wall Program ■ Specialists focus on diagnosis and treatment of congenital and acquired chest wall conditions. Center for Colorectal and Urogenital Health ■ Children with complex colorectal and urogenital anomalies benefit from comprehensive care from Riley surgeons and medical specialists. Adolescent Bariatric Surgery Program ■ Riley Children’s launched this comprehensive program in June 2025.
■ Leader in developing protocols and conducting research to achieve early return of gastrointestinal function after surgery (ERAS) ■ First in Indiana to perform surgery for adolescent weight loss ■ Member of the Midwest Pediatric Surgery Consortium ; 11-hospital collaborative established to improve standard of surgical care for rare conditions through study of clinical outcomes ■ Member of the Pediatric Surgical Oncology Research Collaborative ; engaged in study of surgery-focused guidelines for childhood tumors
NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS
In 2025, our pediatric surgery team facilitated more than 1,434 outpatient visits at Riley Children’s
38 research publications in 2025
Journal of Pediatric Surgery: January 2025 Implementation of a surgery-first approach to
pediatric choledocholithiasis ASAIO Journal: August 2025 Early use experience of the crescent right atrial cannula for neonatal veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation The Journal of Surgical Research: January 2026 Use of a near infrared probe to assess intracellular hydrogen sulfide production European Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology: August 2025 Surgical staging for ovarian sex cord-stromal tumors: What procedural steps are needed? European Journal of Pediatric Surgery: April 2026 Beyond the AP view: The diagnostic value of lateral duodenal and colonic assessment in pediatric malrotation
statewide outreach locations—offering specialized care closer to home for more patients.
Our ECMO program is designated a Platinum Level Center of Excellence by the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization.
Riley Hospital for Children is verified as a Level I Children’s Surgery Center by the American College of Surgeons (ACS).
Riley pediatric surgeons are an integral part of the hospital’s nationally recognized leadership in gastroenterology and GI surgery.
Pediatric General Surgery Volume: 2024 – 2025
DIVISION CHIEF Alan P. Ladd, MD, MBA Anna Olivia Healey Professor of Pediatric Surgery, IU School of Medicine > Connect with Dr. Ladd on Doximity.
Operating room cases
Outpatient visits
4,169
4,169
4,138
4,138
3,846
3,846
3,530
3,530
12 board certified surgeons
See full team member list >
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