Mark L Kayton, MD Pediatric General Surgery in Neptune, NJ

Mark L. Kayton, M.D., serves as the Medical Director of Children's Surgery at K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital at Jersey Shore University Medical Center. A pediatric general surgeon with more than 20 years of experience, Dr. Kayton provides strategic and clinical oversight across all pediatric surgical services, advancing quality, safety, and access for children and their families. He previously served as Division Chief of Pediatric Surgery, where he built a nationally recognized practice in pediatric surgical oncology and complex general surgery.

Dr. Kayton provides comprehensive surgical care for children of all ages. His expertise spans routine procedures like appendectomies and hernia repairs, life-saving neonatal surgeries for birth defects, and complex gastrointestinal and thoracic operations.  Whenever possible, Dr. Kayton utilizes advanced minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopy and thoracoscopy to ensure smaller scars, less pain, and a faster recovery for his young patients.  He also serves as co-director for the Megan Schulman Vascular Anomalies Clinic at K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital.  As a member of the Children's Oncology Group Sarcoma Committee, Dr. Kayton has helped to lead a 57-center, international collaborative trial on pediatric sarcoma therapy.

Dr. Kayton says that while no parent wants to think about their child experiencing a medical emergency, if it happens, you want to know they're receiving the best possible care. And for that, there's nowhere better equipped than the children's hospital at Jersey Shore University Medical Center.

“The beauty of a children's hospital is that if your child's case takes an unexpected turn, we pivot and bring the appropriate resources to bear,” Dr. Kayton says.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is pediatric surgery different from adult surgery?

Children are not just "little adults." Their growing bodies mean their surgical, anatomical, and anesthesia needs are entirely different. As pediatric surgeons, we are specially trained to handle these unique physiological and emotional needs, using equipment and techniques designed exclusively for kids.

Do you use minimally invasive surgical techniques for children?

Yes. Whenever safe and appropriate, I use minimally invasive techniques using a tiny camera and specialized, child-sized instruments. For your child, this means very small incisions, less pain, a shorter hospital stay, and a faster return to normal activities like playing and school.

I am terrified of my child going under anesthesia. Is it safe?

This is a very common and understandable fear. At K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital, your child is cared for by dedicated pediatric anesthesiologists who specialize exclusively in kids. Everything from the medications to the monitoring equipment is perfectly tailored to your child’s exact age, weight, and development to ensure their safety.

Can I stay with my child while they are in the hospital?

Always. Parents are the most important part of a child’s healing process, so you are encouraged to stay in their room 24/7. You can stay with your child right until they fall asleep in the operating room, and we will bring you into the recovery room as soon as they start waking up.