Paediatric surgery is for infants, children and young adults. The very thought of an invasive procedure is overwhelming for parents. But India’s leading child healthcare hospital works with qualified and experienced paediatricians. Signature state-of-the-art facilities along with the highest levels of care can cater to the growing needs of children. All the services are performed with a ‘special human touch’ to make them child friendly.
Surgical issues in children are quite different from those in adults. Most of them are performed under general anaesthesia. You must help the child be comfortable and also inform them about the process in detail. But before that, have a look at the most common conditions that require pediatric surgery for complete recovery.
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1. Cleft Lip Palate
This is a congenital condition in babies. It occurs when the facial structures are not fully developed. You can notice splits on the upper lip or the roof of the mouth. This can affect both or one side of the face. The condition is noticeable right at birth. But it is difficult to spot in case the defect is in the back of the mouth and hidden by the lining. The common symptoms are nasal tone and swallowing problems.
A team of doctors like oral surgeons, ear and throat doctors and nurses come together to find a solution. The first line of treatment is surgery to repair the defect. Therapies are further suggested for speech problems, if any.
2. Congenital Hernia
This is usually done after the baby has stabilized for a few weeks after birth. There are two main types: inguinal hernia and diaphragmatic hernia. Inguinal is the hernia in the groin area while the diaphragmatic one occurs in the flat muscle that separates the chest and abdominal cavity. The major symptoms of a hernia are a full round belly, vomiting, fussiness, fever and redness or discolouration of the skin.
The condition usually does not go away without surgery. Look for the best “pediatrician near me” to treat the condition effectively. The surgical repair will depend on the size and severity of the hernia. The incision leaves a small scar that fades with time. The child can resume normal activities within 1-2 days after surgery.
3. Concussion
This is a sport-related head or whiplash kind of injury. It can interfere with the brain’s ability to function. The symptoms include dizziness, fatigue, irritability, difficulties with thinking skills and strong headaches. Mild concussions are usually treated with rest and medicines. But the severe ones with bleeding and brain swelling need surgery. Otherwise, it can lead to the post-concussion syndrome in children.
Immediate treatment can protect the child from another attack or long-lasting symptoms. The effects continue to multiply over time. There could be frequent incidences of slurred speech, loss of consciousness and convulsions. Further, make sure the child does not participate in intensive sports for the next couple of months post-surgery. It could jar the body and cause discomforts thus impairing the healing process.
Other conditions that need surgery are intestinal obstruction, abscesses and appendicitis. Do search online for the best “pediatrician near me” for a convenient experience.
