Printer-friendly format

Offering the Most Complex Pediatric Surgeries in Florida

Faster recovery begins at Advanced Pediatric Surgical Specialists, where Chris Anderson and Bryan Weidner, MDs, have quickly become known throughout the Sunshine State as experts in pediatric care, with a specialty niche in minimally invasive surgical techniques.

"Thanks to advances in medicine, most of the surgeries we perform on children are minimally invasive, through an opening smaller than a dime," said Anderson, a board-certified general surgeon and board-eligible in pediatric surgery. "Dr. Weidner and I have been highly trained in this technology and, when feasible, no longer make large incisions during surgery, as have been done in the past. Today, two to three small instruments are inserted directly in the abdomen or chest. One carries a high-definition, fiber optic camera and light sources while others have miniaturized instruments. By completing the surgeries minimally invasively, very precise procedures can be conducted through very small holes, often requiring just a stitch or no stitches to close."

During his fellowship at the University of Texas and M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Anderson was trained in pediatric surgery and now specializes in minimally invasive thoracic and laparoscopic pediatric surgery. He is one of few surgeons who have completed formal training in pediatric minimally invasive surgical techniques. In addition to his clinical practice, he is heavily involved in minimally invasive research at The Nicholson Center for Surgical Advancement at Florida Hospital Celebration Health.

"The benefits for minimally invasive procedures are phenomenal," said Weidner, board-certified in general surgery, surgical critical care and pediatric surgery. As one of Florida's leading minimally invasive pediatric surgeons, he has performed more than 3,000 surgeries on children. "For children, minimally invasive surgery means shorter operating time. The recovery time back to full activity is markedly reduced. In addition, since the incisions are so small, there is less pain, less scarring, and a reduced chance of complications or infection."

A Dartmouth graduate, Weidner completed his residency at Duke University following medical school at the University of Pennsylvania. He completed a fellowship in pediatric surgery at the Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center at the University of Washington School of Medicine. Before co-founding Advanced Pediatric Surgical Specialists, Weidner served as an attending pediatric surgeon in the Division of Pediatric Surgery at Presbyterian Hospital in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

"At Advanced Pediatric Surgical Specialists, we believe in providing the best clinical care in a family-centered atmosphere," said Anderson. "We understand the unique physiology of a child. Our goal is to have each child experience optimal health, healing and happiness."

Surgery is never a desired option, Weidner pointed out, but often is a necessary one.

"Surgery can be very scary and we work hard to ease those fears for both the parents and the child," he said. "As pediatric surgeons, we take the time to explain conditions and procedures to both our young patients and their parents."

Anderson and Weidner met at Children's Hospital of Alabama in Birmingham when Anderson was completing a fellowship in pediatric surgery and Weidner served as assistant professor of surgery. Both wanted to return to the South, where they have family. While discussing joining forces, they discovered that Disney Children's Hospital in Orlando was interested in recruiting pediatric specialists to advance minimally invasive surgery in children.

"Disney Children's Hospital is the first in the world to bear the Disney name," pointed out Anderson, who has a 19-month-old daughter, Victoria Elizabeth. "Can you imagine the impact of giving the Disney experience to children in a hospital setting?"

Weidner, whose first child, Repp David Dean, was born Sept. 19, said he "couldn't pass up the opportunity to be part of the creativity of Disney and the innovation taking place at The Nicholson Center."

In addition to providing minimally invasive surgery, including thoracoscopic surgery, Disney Children's Hospital also offers patient services addressing chest wall deformities, general and thoracic surgery, hernia/hydrocele repair, orchiopexy, pediatric surgical oncology, prenatal counseling, and neonatal surgery.

Advanced Pediatric Surgical Specialists is located near Interstate 4 and Princeton Avenue, at 2501 North Orange Avenue, Suite 200, inside the medical plaza at Florida Hospital Orlando.

Tags:

None

Login and voice your opinion!