Learn More
Advanced Chest Wall Care
While chest wall differences are the primary reason a child comes to the Chest Wall Program for care, patients may have several conditions. Multiple specialists, including geneticists and orthopedic spine surgeons, collaborate to understand and treat all aspects of the child’s health. Because the hospital aims to treat patients with the least invasive approaches, medical management is explored before surgery whenever feasible.
The synergy between Shriners Hospitals for Children — Northern California and UC Davis Children’s Hospital, located just across the street, strengthens the care provided at both institutions and attracts internationally recognized physicians to Northern California. The Chest Wall Program staff at the Northern California Shriners Hospital work as a unified team with UC Davis Health. Most providers and surgeons in the program practice at both hospitals. This enables the team to utilize all available resources for patients at both institutions.
Diagnosis & Evaluation
Our specialists carefully evaluate every patient, thoroughly reviewing their medical history and then completing physical examinations. When an underlying condition is suspected, specialists are easily and readily available to consult with members of our multidisciplinary team and meet with the patient and family for further evaluation. When appropriate, follow-up care is available via Fast Track Video Visit, which is convenient for families and improves patient satisfaction.
Our collaborative environment allows us to see more kids and bring our own different experiences with chest wall deformities together. Our kids get better care because of that.
Shinjiro Hirose M.D. Medical director of pediatric surgery at Shriners Hospitals for Children — Northern California
Chief of the division of pediatric general, thoracic and fetal surgery at UC Davis Children’s Hospital Diagnosis and Evaluation
Child and Family Centered Care
Chest wall differences affect the child’s health, confidence, and family life. At Shriners Hospitals for Children — Northern California, our pediatric staff are sensitive to, and experienced in, the psychological effect chest wall deformities can have on a child’s self-image. Their dedication, compassion and teamwork create a supportive, understanding environment for care, decreasing anxiety and stress for patients and family members. Emotional and social support are part of the care plan.
Shriners Hospitals for Children — Northern California offers patients and their families child-centered care with unique, carefully designed features that create positive experiences. The hospital staff understand the fears and anxieties medical care creates for patients and their families.
Research shows children who are prepared for medical procedures and engage in therapeutic play, experience less fear and anxiety and have better long-term adjustment to medical challenges. Our qualified Therapeutic Recreation & Child Life Program (TR/CL) staff provide coping strategies and distraction therapy before and after surgery. They work in partnership with physicians and nurses to support patient care. Children who are admitted to the hospital benefit from music and art therapy. The TR/CL department coordinates visits with therapy dogs and hosts special activities like movie nights and patient outings to reduce stress.
Support Services include an on-site public school, a joint project between Shriners Hospitals for Children — Northern California and the Sacramento City Unified School District. The school provides bilingual education and support to help students continue curricula from their home school.
When chest wall differences are corrected, it makes a huge, positive impact on patients’ lives. Over the years, I see their personalities change. Quiet and introverted kids become outgoing, interactive and dynamic. It helps tremendously with self-esteem and confidence.
Gary Raff M.D. Cardiothoracic surgeon at Shriners Hospitals for Children — Northern California
