Lindsey N. Troy

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.

Dr. Tsukahara received her medical degree from Indiana University School of Medicine. She completed pediatric residency at Children’s Hospital Oakland, and pediatric pulmonology fellowship at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, where she was supported by the University of Pennsylvania T32 in Genomic Medicine. She also completed a certificate in biomedical informatics at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Tsukahara is currently an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Utah and practices in the Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine at Primary Children’s Hospital. Her interests include technology dependence, mechanical ventilation, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and neuromuscular disease.

Dr. Karen James received her medical degree from Tufts University School of Medicine. She completed her Pediatrics residency at Golisano Children’s Hospital at the University of Rochester, and her Pediatric Rheumatology fellowship at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. She is currently an Instructor in Pediatric Rheumatology at the University of Utah School of Medicine and Primary Children’s Medical Center. As a pediatric rheumatologist, Dr. James’ clinical interests include vasculitis, systemic lupus erythematosus, dermatomyositis, autoinflammatory diseases and juvenile idiopathic arthritis. She also evaluates patients with musculoskeletal and joint pain. Her research focuses on diagnosis, treatment and outcomes of children diagnosed with vasculitis.