What is minimally invasive surgery? It refers to a surgical technique that does not require a large incision. It is a surgical approach that allows your child to recover faster and with less pain.
Your child may experience some amount of pain even at seven days after a tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy. Thus, your doctor will prescribe pain medication for an appropriate length of time.
Who is known as the father of pediatrics in America? If you’ve guessed Dr. Abraham Jacobi, then you’re right! He was a German pediatrician who came to New York in 1853 and made several contributions to the field of pediatric health.
When can you hold your baby after surgery? Your child may have several tubes and wires attached after surgery. Some of those tubes, especially the breathing tube, need to be removed before it is safe to hold your baby.
How long does your child need to stay in the hospital after surgery? It depends on the surgical procedure and your child’s recovery. However, if your child is having an outpatient procedure, you may expect to go home the same day.
Some problems in newborn babies must be surgically corrected right away. For example, gastroschisis is a birth defect that requires surgery within the first hour following birth.
Many babies that require surgery have an inborn defect or disorder that needs to be corrected right away, some within the first hour of birth. It takes a qualified pediatric surgeon who has extensive knowledge of a baby’s anatomy and physiology.
Because children are highly sensitive to dehydration, fluid management is an essential part of the care for a child undergoing surgery. Specialized surgeons are needed for the job because they have extensive knowledge of fluid physiology in children.
According to the WHO, there are about 1.7 billion children and adolescents who do not have access to surgical care worldwide. Most of these children live in developing countries, and only 8% of them have access to surgical care.
What time should you arrive for surgery? Plan to arrive at the hospital at least 45 to 90 minutes before the scheduled surgery time, unless your doctor says otherwise.
Before and after surgery, there’s a brief period when food and liquids are withheld from the child, causing stress for both the child and the parents. Your child’s surgeon can help you plan for comfort and distraction during this time.
The NIH shows that 84% of North American infants born with biliary atresia have no other birth defects, while the remaining 16% also suffer from other organ problems. While the condition is life-threatening, infants who have undergone surgery can grow into healthy adults.
The Ladd procedure is a surgical operation done to correct intestinal malrotation, a condition wherein the intestines are twisted, creating a blockage. The procedure involves straightening the intestine, appendectomy, and realignment of the bowels.
Why consider having your baby boy circumcised? For one, circumcision helps prevent UTIs, which in turn limits hospital visits and procedures. It may also lower their risk of acquiring STDs when they get older. Lastly, it saves them the pain of being circumcised later.
Preparing young children for surgery can be extremely challenging because the primary caregivers may not be able to explain to the child what will happen. Pediatric surgeons have the communication skills required to calm down both the child and the guardian.
Because of their small sizes and metabolisms that are rapidly changing, infants have unique surgical needs, and precise guidelines must be applied when it comes to feeding, anesthesia, medication dosing, preventing hypothermia, and caring for the surgical site.
Approximately 25% of inflammatory bowel diseases are found in persons younger than 20 years of age. Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are the two common types of inflammatory bowel diseases treated by surgery.
Sigmoidoscopy is a medical examination of the rectum and sigmoid colon. Your child’s doctor may order sigmoidoscopy to diagnose inflammation, infection, or polyps. If your child is experiencing chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, or rectal bleeding, sigmoidoscopy may be advised.
Some surgical procedures are minor; the recovery time is short and children are quickly able to return to their usual activities. Examples of minor surgeries include hernia repairs, placement of ear tubes, biopsy of growths, and correction of bone fractures.
The most appropriate age for your child to have surgery depends to some extent on the condition being treated. In general, the earlier a problem can be treated, the better.
Most often, children are given a light form of general anesthesia so they experience less anxiety. Also, it is the safest way to perform most surgeries on children.
Gallbladder obstruction in infants and young children, or Cholelithiasis, is usually caused by pigmented stones resulting from blood disorders. Treatment options for children include Laparoscopic cholecystectomy or removal of the gallbladder.
