Children's Health

Why Children Need Pediatric Surgeons

A pediatric surgeon is a doctor who specializes in treating children; he treats infants, children, and teenagers/young adults. When your child needs surgery in the UAE or anywhere globally, you need to consult a pediatric surgeon.

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By Team ArabiaMD

 • 3 min read • 
Why Children Need Pediatric Surgeons

The Importance of Consulting a Pediatric Surgeon

Introduction

A pediatric surgeon is a doctor who specializes in treating children, from infants to teenagers/young adults. These surgeons are highly qualified and have extensive training and expertise in caring for children during surgery.

Pre-Surgery Guidelines

  • When visiting a pediatric surgeon's office, pre-surgery guidelines will be followed.
  • A member of the hospital's care team will conduct an examination to check for any flu, cold, or unexpected medical issues.
  • Your child will be required to wear a medical gown and receive anesthesia, which is safe for them.
  • It may be difficult, but you will need to leave the room before or after the anesthesia is administered.

During the Surgery

  • While the surgery takes place, you will need to wait in the waiting room.
  • The nurses or surgeon will provide updates on your child's progress.
  • It is important to be patient and wait for the surgery to be completed and for your child to wake up.
  • Depending on the type of surgery, your child may be able to go home or they may need to stay overnight at the hospital.

Common Issues Treated by Pediatric Surgeons

  1. Birth defects:

    • Pediatric surgeons perform surgeries to correct congenital disabilities, which are abnormal physical changes or health conditions present at birth.
    • Early detection through prenatal check-ups is crucial.
    • Treatment can significantly reduce the impact of congenital disabilities.
  2. Cancer:

    • Pediatric surgeons specialize in treating childhood cancer, such as leukemia and brain/spinal cord tumors.
    • There are various types of cancers that can affect children and require specific treatments.
  3. Obesity:

    • Pediatric surgeons can perform weight loss surgeries in obese teenagers to eliminate health problems like high blood pressure and diabetes.
    • Surgery for obesity is only recommended for severely obese teens and children with health problems.
  4. Endocrine disorders:

    • Pediatric surgeons can care for children with hormonal imbalances that cause various health issues.
    • Endocrine disorders can be caused by injury, autoimmune disorders, genetic disorders, or dysfunction of the endocrine gland.
    • Examples include hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and diabetes.
  5. Trauma:

    • Pediatric surgeons are skilled in treating trauma in children, including injuries from falls, burns, sports injuries, child abuse, and motor accidents.
    • Surgeries are performed to repair injuries and ensure proper healing.
  6. Gastrointestinal problems:

    • Pediatric surgeons can perform surgeries for potentially dangerous or life-threatening abdominal complaints in children.
    • Conditions treated include appendicitis, hernias, abdominal tumors, intestinal failure, chronic abdominal pain, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and pyloric stenosis.
  7. Wound repair:

    • Pediatric surgeons have specialized skills in closing wounds and ensuring minimal scarring and optimal healing.
    • They use techniques such as synthetic sutures, adhesives, absorbable sutures, skin grafts, tissue expansion, and flaps.

Conclusion

Consulting a pediatric surgeon is essential when your child needs surgical intervention. Children have unique surgical needs, and certain diseases require specialized care. If your primary care doctor or pediatrician refers you to a pediatric surgeon, it is important to follow their recommendation to prevent complications and ensure the best outcome for your child.

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