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Neurosurgery

Pediatric Neurosurgery

University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital is home to one of the most experienced and comprehensive pediatric neurosurgery programs in the nation and the only nationally ranked program in Iowa. Our pediatric neurosurgeons are recognized as leaders in the field and experts at treating children with conditions affecting the brain, and spinal cord, including the most complex pediatric neurosurgical cases.

Neurological problems in children who need surgery can be very different from those in adults. That’s why it’s important to rely on the expertise of pediatric neurosurgeons who are specially trained to treat infants, children, and adolescents. Also, many pediatric neurological conditions require lifelong follow-up care, so we work closely with young patients and their families to ensure their comfort and earn their trust. That’s why physicians refer patients to us from throughout the state, across the nation, and around the world.

UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital is internationally recognized for both clinical expertise and research in pediatric neurosurgery. We have developed and refined the use of minimally invasive techniques for the treatment of many pediatric neurosurgical conditions.

Second Opinion Program

If you have been told that your child needs neurosurgery, it is important to consider every alternative. That's why we offer a second opinion program, which gives you access to the world-class pediatric neurosurgeons at UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital. Learn more about our Second Opinion Program.

Services

Health Information

Anesthesia

Patient Stories

  • Reshaping baby’s future

    Megan Kane being held by her mother Craniosynostosis is a birth defect in which one or more of the seven fibrous joints in a baby’s skull—called sutures—is prematurely closed. This limits the space needed for brain and skull growth and often leads to craniofacial malformationsRead more

  • Parent Blog: Rebecca Johnson

    Lexy Johnson, photo "She didn't know her name, she gave her birthdate scrambled, and she couldn't do simple things like pulling or pushing. After the CT results came back, we were told that Lexy had a tumor on the right side of her brain, and a build-up of fluid and pressure that required immediate attention. Lexy was then airlifted to UI Stead Family Children's Hospital." —Rebecca Johnson Read more

  • Parent Blog: Jolene Paulson

    Blaine Araujo, portrait Blaine fell when he was 2 years old and needed neck surgery, and Arnold Menezes, MD, discovered he had a cervical stenosis–the protective area around the spine had degenerated and become narrow. Read more

  • Lucy Roth

    Lucy Roth, portrait Lucy was a healthy baby and toddler, but she began having vision problems at 2 years old. Pediatric ophthalmologists at University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital ordered an MRI that revealed a massive brain tumor. During the subsequent 12-hour surgery, pediatric neurosurgeons were able to remove a large amount of the tumor. Lucy, however, was not out of the woods.Read more

  • Parent Blog: Dan and Manda Shine

    Gemma Shine, photo "We met with a pediatric neurosurgeon who confirmed a diagnosis of metopic craniosynostosis with trigonocephaly – the front suture of her skull had fused prematurely in utero and would need to be separated and reconstructed surgically." – Dan and Manda Read more
View all related Patient Stories

Locations and Contact

  • UI Stead Family Children's Hospital
    1800 John Pappajohn Pavilion
    200 Hawkins Drive
    Iowa City, Iowa 52242
    In House Directions: Elevator H, Level 1: To reach the Neurosurgery clinic from another level, take Elevator I to the Level 1
    Contact
    • 1-319-356-2237 A physician referral is required.

Care Team