Pediatric surgery involves surgical treatment for newborns, infants, children, adolescents, and young adults. From birth through late adolescence, pediatric surgeons specialize in treating the surgical needs of children.
Some conditions are exclusive or more common in children, and therefore, the surgical problems that pediatric surgeons encounter generally differ from those treated by general surgeons. In addition, it is generally difficult for young children to accurately convey their symptoms. As a result, pediatric surgeons receive specialized training to deal with the unique problems that come with pediatric surgery.
Pediatric surgeons are medical professionals responsible for performing these surgical procedures after developing a preoperative plan based on the patient's observations. Surgery can be divided into different separate specialties. Among these procedures are general surgery, gynecology, urology, and cardiology.
In the pediatric age group, surgical procedures may be loosely classified as major, minor, elective, or urgent. Major surgery includes surgery on the head and neck, as well as the chest and some abdominal procedures. Major surgeries are often very complex, involve a higher risk of complications, and require a longer recovery time and hospital stay.
Minor pediatric surgeries are procedures that allow children to return to their normal routine within a reasonable amount of time after surgery. Removal of excess skin, biopsies, and treatment of long bone fractures are all examples of minor surgeries.
Elective surgery refers to procedures performed on a child who does not require immediate medical attention, such as circumcision in boys. This means that surgeons can perform the operation at a later date and take into account the choices of parents and guardians.
Finally, emergency procedures are performed when serious accidents or life-threatening congenital heart problems are diagnosed at birth, as a treatment option without which the child would not survive.
The Pediatric Surgery Department at Fakieh University Hospital also covers all diagnostic and surgical treatments for newborns with surgical conditions, including congenital defects.
