Pediatric Surgery

Pediatric surgery is a specialized branch of surgery focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of surgical conditions in infants, children, and adolescents. Pediatric surgeons are trained to address a wide range of surgical issues specific to the growing child, from congenital anomalies to traumatic injuries.

Common Procedures and Treatments in Pediatric Surgery

1. Appendectomy

• Removal of the appendix, usually due to appendicitis (inflammation/infection).

• Can be done via open surgery or laparoscopically (minimally invasive).

2. Hernia Repair

• Repair of inguinal (groin), umbilical, or diaphragmatic hernias.

• Hernias occur when an internal part of the body pushes through a weakness in the muscle or tissue wall.

• Typically done with minimally invasive techniques or open surgery.

3. Correction of Congenital Anomalies

• Surgical correction of birth defects like:

  • Cleft lip and palate repair.

  • Congenital diaphragmatic hernia repair.

  • Pyloric stenosis surgery (to widen the opening from the stomach to the small intestine).

4. Treatment of Gastrointestinal Disorders

• Procedures for issues like:

  • Intussusception (telescoping of the intestine).

  • Malrotation or volvulus (twisting of the intestine).

  • Removal of tumors or cysts.

5. Circumcision

• Surgical removal of the foreskin of the penis.

6. Correction of Undescended Testes (Orchiopexy)

• Surgical placement of testes into the scrotum when they haven’t descended naturally.

7. Treatment of Trauma

• Surgery to repair injuries from accidents, including fractures, organ damage, or soft tissue injuries.

8. Thoracic Surgery

• Procedures involving the chest area such as:

  • Removal of cysts or tumors.

  • Repair of congenital heart or lung defects (sometimes coordinated with pediatric cardiac surgery).

9. Tumor Removal

• Surgery to remove benign or malignant tumors in children, including neuroblastoma or Wilms tumor.

10. Minimally Invasive Surgery (Laparoscopy/Thoracoscopy)

• Increasingly used for many pediatric surgeries for faster recovery and less scarring.

  Pediatric surgeons work closely with pediatricians to provide coordinated and comprehensive care for children requiring surgical treatment. Pediatricians often identify conditions that may need surgical intervention and refer patients to pediatric surgeons for evaluation and management. Throughout the surgical process, pediatric surgeons maintain communication with pediatricians to ensure continuity of care, share updates on diagnosis, treatment plans, and postoperative progress.