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Division of Pediatric Surgery

In the heart of Brooklyn.

SUNY Downstate, Brooklyn's leading academic medical center, offers exceptional pediatric surgery care. Our division features advanced surgical treatments, access to subspecialty care, and a top faculty engaged in pioneering research. Providing cutting-edge care to our community's youngest, all within the heart of Brooklyn.

Conditions we treat

Our Pediatric Surgical division provides comprehensive management for a wide array of conditions, ensuring each child and family receives the best possible care. Our expert team is equipped to handle common pediatric surgical issues, in addition to pediatric surgical emergencies such as:

    • Inguinal, umbilical and epigastric hernias
    • Undescended testes
    • Phimosis
    • Head and neck lesions including tongue-tie, cystic lesions, enlarged lymph nodes and arterio-venous malformations
    • Acute appendicitis
    • Gastrointestinal obstructions including volvulus, dolichocolon, intussusception, toxic megacolon, omphalomesenteric duct lesions, and superior mesenteric artery syndrome
    • Testicular and ovarian torsions
    • Necrotizing fasciitis and other soft tissue infections

We are also very experienced in the management of complex general and thoracic surgical issues, pediatric and adolescent gynecological problems, as well as hematological and oncological disorders. Examples of cases we manage include:

    • Esophageal atresia
    • Pyloric stenosis
    • Intestinal atresia and duplications
    • Inflammatory Bowel disease
    • Intestinal polyps
    • Hepatobiliary disorders, including choledochal cysts, biliary atresia and gallstones
    • Meckel’s diverticulum
    • Anorectal malformations, including Hirschsprung’s disease, imperforate anus, dolichocolon
    • Sacrococcygeal teratomas
    • Abdominal wall defects such as omphalocele and gastroschisis
    • Congenital diaphragmatic hernias
    • Congenital pulmonary disorders including pulmonary sequestration, cystic adenomatoid malformations, bronchogenic cysts, and other tracheobronchial lesions
    • Chest deformities such as pectus excavatum and pectus carinatum
    • Utero-vaginal malformation, ovarian lesions, urethral prolapse and urachal lesions
    • Breast lesions
    • Solid tumors, including Wilm’s tumor and other renal lesions, neuroblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma
    • Hematological disorders requiring splenectomy

In addition to congenital disorders, we are also well-equipped to manage critical neonatal issues, including:

    • Necrotizing Enterocolitis
    • Solitary intestinal perforation
    • Intestinal malrotation with midgut volvulus
    • Pneumothorax
    • Vascular access

With a focus on both emergency and planned procedures, our goal is to offer a healing and supportive environment for our patients and their families; ensuring each child receives individualized, state-of-the-art care.

Our team  

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Francisca T. Velcek MD FACS FAAP MAMSE, Professor of Surgery

Director 

Dr. Velcek, with over 57 years of surgical experience, has been a pioneering figure in the pediatric general and thoracic surgery field in Brooklyn, NY. Her special interests include pediatric and adolescent gynecology, neonatal life-threatening illnesses, as well as anorectal malformations. With more than 50 years of service to Downstate, she is well recognized for her clinical excellence, in addition to her devotion to the education of medical students and graduate medical trainees.

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Carlos A. Reck MD FAAP FACS

Associate Director

Dr. Reck, a leading pediatric surgeon specializing in colorectal and pelvic reconstruction, has recently joined the esteemed team at Downstate, enhancing our capacity for cutting-edge care.

Contact us


SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University 
450 Clarkson Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11203


  • Phone: 24/7 Call Center 718-270-7207 | Coordinator 718-270-1979
  • Fax: 718-270-2826

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT NOW:   +1(718)-270-7207

 

University Physicians of Brooklyn- Pediatric Surgery telephone: 718-270-8888