Pediatric Surgery

Pediatric surgery is a surgical specialty dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of surgical conditions in infants, children, and adolescents.

Common Procedures in Pediatric Surgery

• Appendectomy is the surgical removal of the appendix due to acute appendicitis, performed either laparoscopically or through open surgery.

• Hernia repair addresses inguinal, umbilical, or diaphragmatic hernias, where abdominal tissue or bowel protrudes through a weakness in the abdominal wall. Surgery is typically performed laparoscopically or via open repair.

• Congenital anomaly correction includes surgical repair of birth defects such as cleft lip and palate, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, and pyloric stenosis.

• Hypospadias and genitourinary anomalies. Hypospadias is a congenital condition in which the urethral opening is not located at the tip of the penis. Surgical correction is typically performed in infancy and aims to restore normal urinary and reproductive function. Related genitourinary anomalies, such as epispadias and ambiguous genitalia, are also managed within this specialty, often in collaboration with a urologist.
• Orchiopexy is the surgical fixation of an undescended testis to its normal position in the scrotum.

• Gastrointestinal surgery covers conditions such as intussusception, intestinal volvulus, and the resection of gastrointestinal tumors or cysts.

• Circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin in males.

• Thoracic surgery includes the removal of chest masses or cysts, and correction of congenital cardiopulmonary anomalies in coordination with a cardiothoracic surgeon.

• Tumor resection involves the removal of benign and malignant tumors, such as neuroblastoma or Wilms tumor.

• Minimally invasive surgery utilizes laparoscopic techniques to perform procedures through small incisions, reducing postoperative pain and recovery time.

The Role of the Pediatric Surgeon in Collaboration with the Pediatrician

The pediatric surgeon works closely with the pediatrician to provide integrated, comprehensive care for the child. The pediatrician typically identifies conditions requiring surgical intervention and refers the patient for evaluation and management. Throughout the treatment course, the pediatric surgeon maintains ongoing communication with the pediatrician regarding diagnosis, the surgical plan, and postoperative follow-up, ensuring continuity of care and supporting the child’s full recovery.