Quality and Outcomes Reports - Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery

Survival by diagnosis

Why we measure it - Overwhelmingly, survival is the first and most important statistic parents and others ask about. We measure survival for a number of diagnoses and compare ourselves to the national average to make sure we are providing excellent care.

About the data - The data reflects the survival to discharge for select procedures at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin compared to Pediatric Hospital Information System  peers. PHIS hospitals represent other leading free-standing pediatric hospitals.

What this means - We have a better or equal survival rate for many common diagnoses compared to other leading pediatric hospitals nationwide. 

Related dimensions of care:

What we're doing to provide the best care:

  • The National Surgeons Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) has had widespread success in improving surgical outcomes for adult patients in the Veterans Administration system as well as in the private sector. In collaboration with the American College of Surgeons, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, along with other leading pediatric hospitals, is leading the development of a Pediatric NSQIP database, which will enable the collection of quality clinical data to compare and improve practice nationally for pediatric patients requiring surgery.
  • We conduct research to determine the safest, most successful way to surgically repair congenital diaphragmatic hernias.
  • Close to 1,500 transports are provided each year.
  • Through our Fetal Concerns Center of Wisconsin, we can diagnose most congenital defects in unborn babies, offer counseling and coordinate medical care for mother and baby. This allows families and staff time to anticipate needs and plan care, which improves the care provided at birth.
  • We have pediatric-trained anesthesiologists, which helps us achieve better outcomes.
  • The Froedtert & Medical College Birth Center is located inside Children's Hospital to reduce the time it takes to get a newborn baby into surgery. Research shows outcomes improve when the delivery room and operating room are close together. This also offers families the convenience of having mother and baby hospitalized near one another.
  • We have a highly specialized Children's Transport Team available 24 hours a day to stabilize and transport seriously sick and injured infants and children to our center. More than 1,500 transports are provided each year.
  • We offer a special long-term follow-up clinic for children with serious congenital conditions to identify any problems as early as possible and provide support as necessary.

Patients and families:

  • Be an advocate for your child. Participate in daily bedside clinical discussions. Provide any information about your child that may be helpful to staff.
  • Follow medical instructions fully and carefully before and after surgery.
  • Ask questions if you don't understand the plan of care or if you are not sure how to care for your child at home.
  • Attend any and all follow-up appointments.

Referring physicians:

  • Fill out and fax a referral form prior to sending the patient to Children's Hospital for outpatient ancillary services or a specialty clinic visit. 
  • Forward any pertinent patient documentation, including test results, to the specialty physician's office prior to the patient's visit. 
  • Referring physicians can access our specialists for consultation or transport 24 hours a day. Call our physician referral line at (800) 266-0366.  
  • Health care providers from outside of our southeastern Wisconsin service area are encouraged to use our web-based
    e-Consult service. This service is available for non-urgent patient cases only and gives providers access to our specialists to review patient cases, obtain medical advice or second opinions, and receive care recommendations for rare symptoms and illnesses.
    e-Consult is not to be used by the general public, parents/guardians or families.
  • Care guidelines for medical professionals
  • Educational materials
  • Pocket Directory

If you have questions about this data or information, email us or call (414) 266-6556.