Scott S. Short

David E. Skarda, M.D., M.B.A., is a leader in pediatric surgical care, dedicated to ensuring the best possible outcomes for your child (baby, toddler, school-age, or teen). His unique qualifications include specialized training in minimally invasive surgical techniques and being the sole DaVinci robot-certified and credentialed pediatric surgeon in the Intermountain West. Dr. Skarda specializes in the following elective conditions through the clinic: Inguinal hernia Umbilical hernia Cholecystectomy (removal of the gallbladder) G Tube (both placement and removal of a stomach tube) Reflux (Nissan fundoplication and redo fundoplications for recurrent reflux, robotic) Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome (MALS, robotic) Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome (SMA, robotic) Gastroparesis Paraesophageal hernia (robotic) Hiatal Hernia (robotic) Vascular access Chest wall deformities (pectus excavatum and pectus carinatum) Pneumothorax Urachal and omphalomesenteric remnants Dr. Skarda specializes in the following emergent and urgent: Appendectomy (removal of the appendix) Intestinal obstructions Intestinal atresias Esophageal atresia Congenital diaphragmatic hernia Volvulus Malrotation As a board-certified pediatric surgeon in the Division of Pediatric Surgery at Primary Children’s Hospitals, Dr. Skarda is committed to providing leading-edge compassionate surgical care promptly. He places a strong emphasis on patient education, ensuring that you fully understand the procedures, options, risks, and benefits. He is available for new patient consultations at his clinics at Primary Children’s Hospitals (Salt Lake City and Lehi, Utah) and St. Vincent Hospital in Billings, Montana. Dr. Skarda has specific clinical experience and expertise in surgically managing chronic nausea and abdominal pain syndromes in children and teenagers, including median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS), superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMA), gastroparesis, biliary dyskinesia (pain from a gallbladder that does not work well), and symptomatic cholelithiasis (pain from gallstones). Notably, Dr. Skarda works as part of an organized multidisciplinary team to correctly diagnose and treat these conditions. He is happy to see patients via telemedicine technology (such as Zoom) for most conditions. An in-person visit may be necessary for some conditions where direct examination is critical. Our clinic nurses can help you know if a face-to-face visit is needed or helpful. He speaks Spanish. He will talk to you and/or your child’s doctor. In his free time, Dr. Skarda likes spending time with his wife Paula, their adult children, and their grandchild at home, traveling and outdoors. Additionally, Dr. Skarda is a pilot and enjoys learning new skills.

Robert A. Swendiman, MD MPP MSCE is an attending pediatric surgeon at Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City, UT. He has numerous clinical interests, including the management of traumatic injuries, inflammatory bowel disease, chest wall deformities, minimally invasive surgery, and neonatal conditions. He performs a broad spectrum of procedures, including operations for: Appendicitis Hernias Nutritional access Vascular access Gallbladder disease Crohn’s disease Ulcerative colitis Childhood cancers Pectus deformities Esophageal atresia Congenital anomalies Dr. Swendiman is an Assistant Professor of Surgery at the University of Utah School of Medicine. He received both his BA and MD from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He received his Master in Public Policy (MPP) from Harvard University where he was a fellow at the Center for Public Leadership, and holds a Master of Clinical Epidemiology (MSCE) from the University of Pennsylvania. After medical school, he trained at the University of Pennsylvania in General Surgery, and completed his fellowship in Pediatric General Surgery at the University of Utah. Dr. Swendiman serves as the Trauma Medical Director for the new children’s hospital in Lehi, UT (PCH – Miller Campus). He also staffs the complex inflammatory bowel disease clinic. He is engaged in clinical research with numerous publications and book chapters. When not at the hospital, Dr. Swendiman enjoys spending time with his wife (Brenda) and two children (Luke and Lucy). He is an avid swimmer and college basketball enthusiast.

Brian T. Bucher, MD, MS is a board-certified Pediatric Surgeon in the Division of Pediatric General Surgery with specialized training for surgical treatment for infants, children, and teenagers. He is also an Associate Professor of Surgery at the University Of Utah School Of Medicine. Dr. Bucher specializes in the following conditions: inguinal hernia umbilical hernia undescended testicle hydrocele cholecystectomy (removal of the gallbladder) gastrostomy (placement of a stomach tube) appendectomy (removal of the appendix) vascular access (ports and central lines) ulcerative colitis Crohn’s disease gastroesophageal reflux disease chest wall deformities (pectus excavatum and pectus carinatum) pediatric endocrine surgery (thyroid and adrenal tumors/pancreas surgery) He will be happy to speak with you and/or your child’s physician for any questions or concerns.