Pediatric Surgery

Pediatric surgery is a sub-branch of general surgery and deals with all surgical procedures in children from birth to adolescence. Although pediatric surgery includes the diagnosis of the disease, it is more concerned with the treatment. People who specialize in this field are called pediatric surgeons. Pediatric surgeons deal with the diagnosis and treatment of childhood diseases as well as congenital anomalies in infants. In addition to 6 years of medical education, pediatric surgeons receive training on pediatric surgery for 6 years.

Children's physical and psychological structures are different from adults. Therefore, pediatric surgical practices performed in childhood should be planned specifically for children. Pediatric surgeons prepare the best treatment plan for the child, make preoperative examinations and preparations, and follow the development of the child after the operation. It cooperates with the parents who are responsible for the care of the child. Can provide advice by giving instructions.

 

Pediatric Surgery Diagnostic Methods

Definitive diagnosis of the disease in pediatric surgery is important for determining the treatment to be applied. Diagnostic methods used in pediatric surgery can be listed as follows:

• Radiological imaging systems: Many imaging methods are used to diagnose surgical diseases in children. These can be listed as ultrasound, MRI, computed tomography and x-ray.
• Exploratory laparoscopy: The laparoscope device, which has a camera and light on its tip, is inserted through the incision in the abdomen and the inside of the abdomen is examined. If necessary, a sample can be taken for biopsy.
• Bronchoscopy: It is used to examine the respiratory tract of children. It can also be used to take a biopsy sample, remove foreign bodies, and investigate connections between the airways.
• Cystoscopy: A tube with a camera and light at the end is used to examine the urethra and bladder. It is performed under general anesthesia in children.
• Endoscopy: It is the insertion of a thin tube with a camera at the end through the mouth to examine the gastrointestinal tract.

 

What Diseases Does Pediatric Surgery Treat?

Many different conditions may require pediatric surgery. Some of the most common procedures include:

Pediatric Surgical Diseases of the Digestive System

Gastrointestinal surgery in children includes surgery of the stomach, liver, pancreas and intestines. The most common digestive diseases in children whose treatment is surgical can be listed as follows:

• Appendectomy: This procedure involves removing the appendix, a small organ near the large intestine. Appendectomy is often necessary if the appendix becomes infected (appendicitis).
• Stomach hernia: It is the swelling in the upper part of the chest due to the weakening and relaxation of the muscles in the upper part of the stomach.Bloating, chest burning, heartburn, and difficulty swallowing are typical symptoms.
• Inguinal hernia: It is the prolapse of a part of the intestines or organs in the abdomen from the groin area.
• Umbilical hernia: It is when the intestine or other tissue passes near the belly button and causes a bulge.

Head and Neck Surgery in Children

Pediatric surgery treats congenital head and neck anomalies or acquired cysts and tumors. Diseases treated in head and neck surgery in children can be listed as follows:

• Neck cysts: There are some cysts that do not go away when babies are in the womb. These cysts are fluid-filled sacs. These cysts, known as branchial clefts, should be surgically removed because of the risk of infection and the risk of developing into a malignant mass in the future.
• Head and Neck masses :Head and neck masses in children can be benign or malignant. The tumors outside of the skull are usually operated by pediatric surgeons. The removal of the cysts and tumors is necessary for pathological inquiry and treatment.

Neonatal Pediatric Surgical Diseases

During the development of the fetus, various factors can cause fetal problems that require surgical intervention. Surgical diseases in newborns can be listed as follows:

• Anorectal Malformations: This disease, which affects the intestines, rectum, genital system and urinary tract, is a problem in the development of systems.
• Cloacal Exstrophy: It is the case that the structures related to the bladder are formed outside the abdomen, not inside the abdomen. It is noticed immediately after birth.
• Bladder Exstrophy: It is the opening of the posterior surface of the urinary bladder to the skin under the navel because the abdominal wall is not completely closed.
• Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH): It is a problem in the development of the diaphragm. It occurs as a result of the penetration of the intra-abdominal organs into the thoracic cavity.
• Jejunoileal Atresia: It is the incomplete development of the small intestines as a result of the blood supply problem in the small intestines of the baby during pregnancy.

 

Pediatric Surgery Treatment Methods

Treatment methods used in pediatric surgery are applied considering the psychology and physiology of children. It is aimed for children to have a comfortable and painless operation. Diagnostic methods used in pediatric surgery can be listed as follows:

• Minimally invasive surgery: They are surgeries performed in a way that causes the least damage to body tissues. This procedure, which is made by making incisions between 2 and 5 cm, is often used to provide quick healing.
• Invasive surgery: Larger incisions are required to treat some diseases. There is a higher risk in an invasive surgical procedure and recovery may take longer.
• Laparoscopy: This method, which is used in the treatment of intra-abdominal organs, is performed by inserting a tube with a camera and light into the abdomen.
• Endoscopy: It can be used in the treatment of diseases in the gastrointestinal tract. It can be used especially in cases such as foreign body escape.

In addition to these common procedures, pediatric surgeons may treat injuries, tumors, and other conditions requiring surgical intervention.

 

Health Türkiye - Providing the Best Critical Care for Your Child

The decision to undergo surgery is never easy, especially for children. Our pediatric surgeons work closely with parents and caregivers to understand a procedure's risks and benefits and help them make informed decisions. The recovery process after pediatric surgery varies depending on the procedure and the child's individual circumstances. Overall, pediatric surgery plays a vital role in the healthcare of children. From simple procedures to complex surgeries, our pediatric surgeons work to improve young patients' health and quality of life.

HealthTürkiye helps promote the services provided in Türkiye's international health services field. The goal is to collaborate with the various activities of the private and public sectors toward health tourism.