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CHKD OR Nurse walks young patient to surgery.

CHKD Surgery Program

Safe, quality surgical care in a child-centered environment.

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Exceptional Surgical Care

Level I Children's Surgery Center

Safety guides every surgical decision from start to finish at CHKD. That’s one reason why the American College of Surgeons (ACS) has repeatedly granted CHKD the highest level of certification for pediatric surgical care.

About Our Surgery Program

When it comes to children, there’s no such thing as minor surgery. That's why Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters' unique pediatric surgery program is designed to make children and parents comfortable with the entire surgery experience. Learn more about preparing for surgery at CHKD here.

Whether it’s an outpatient ear, nose, and throat procedure or major craniofacial reconstruction, safety guides every surgical decision from start to finish at CHKD.

As a Level 1 Children’s Surgery Center, CHKD offers multiple medical and surgical specialties and performs for major congenital defects and complex diseases.

To receive this prestigious certification, the hospital’s surgical program, which includes the main hospital in Norfolk and surgery centers at Concert Drive in Virginia Beach and at Oyster Point in Newport News, met rigorous criteria for staffing, training, facility features, and protocols for care. Dr. Robert Obermeyer, chief of pediatric surgery at CHKD, shares more about what it means to be a Level 1 Pediatric Surgery Center in the videos below.

About Our Surgeons

Our surgeons are committed to innovation and emphasize the use of minimally invasive surgical techniques whenever possible to reduce discomfort and to speed recovery time. CHKD is a world leader in thoracic surgery and home to the Nuss Procedure to correct pectus excavatum.

All members of CHKD Surgical Group have met stringent requirements and received certifications in their specific area of pediatric surgery.

Surgical Specialties

  • Cardiac Surgery CHKD's cardiac surgery program is part of a regional collaborative between CHKD and the University of Virginia.
  • Ear, Nose, and Throat CHKD provides ear, nose, and throat treatment through its affiliation with several pediatric otolaryngologists in the community.
  • Neurosurgery Our neurosurgery team provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment of head, spine, or nervous system disorders in children.
  • Ophthalmology CHKD provides ophthalmology services through its affiliation with several pediatric ophthalmologists in the community.
  • Orthopedic Surgery Whether it's a simple broken bone or a complex birth defect -- our goal is to help your child gain the most movement and strength possible.
  • Pediatric Surgery Dedicated to safety, our unique pediatric surgery program is designed to make children and parents comfortable with the entire surgery experience.
  • Plastic and Oral Maxillofacial Surgery (POMS) At CHKD, you’ll find the region’s only plastic and oral maxillofacial surgery program designed exclusively for children.
  • Urology Our urology team is dedicated to the evaluation and treatment of pediatric urological and genital disorders in children.

Preparing for Surgery at CHKD

Does your child have an upcoming surgery at CHKD? The short video below will give your child an idea of what to expect on surgery day by showing what the hospital looks like and introducing some of the people your child might meet. 


For Your Child's Safety

Eating and Drinking Rules Before Surgery or a Procedure


Your child’s stomach must be completely empty before surgery begins. This is an important safety precaution. Food in the stomach increases the risk of life-threatening complications during anesthesia and sedation.


Surgery Day Checklist

Improving Quality, Safety, and Outcomes in Pediatric Surgery

Ensuring level one children's surgery center verification requires a steadfast dedication to performance improvement and patient safety. CHKD continuously meets these rigorous standards so referring physicians and parents can confidently rely on the quality of care we provide.

Learn more about Pediatric Surgery at CHKD and what it means to be a Level 1 Pediatric Surgery Center.

Characteristics of a Level One Pediatric Surgery Center

Jun 13, 2024

Dr. Robert Obermeyer discusses how a range of pediatric surgical specialties and support services collaborate to make every surgery at CHKD …
Improving Quality, Safety, and Outcomes in Pediatric Surgery

Jun 13, 2024

Ensuring level one children's surgery center verification requires a steadfast dedication to performance improvement and patient safety at CHKD.
Understanding Levels of Pediatric Surgical Care

Jun 13, 2024

Find out what it means to be a Level 1 Pediatric Surgery Center and what it means to carry this elite designation.