Pediatric surgery is one of the surgical subspecialties and an essential branch of medicine that specializes in the surgical treatment of pediatric patients, meaning babies, children, and adolescents.
Due to the particular characteristics of this type of patient, pediatric surgery involves unique challenges because of the anatomical, physiological, and even emotional differences of young patients.
Surgical procedures in children are varied and require a personalized approach for each patient, and this specialty not only allows correction or improvement of a specific medical condition, but also aims to ensure the patient’s long-term well-being.
What is a pediatric surgeon
As a specialist, a pediatric surgeon must have advanced technical skills, as well as a deep understanding of the emotional and psychological needs of children and their families.
The conditions treated by a pediatric surgeon are very broad and may range from congenital malformations to complex diseases such as cancer or severe trauma.
However, the role of the pediatric surgeon does not end once the surgical procedure has been performed; they are also responsible for guiding the family through the preoperative process, during postoperative recovery, and providing appropriate follow-up for the healthy development and growth of the child.
Types of pediatric surgery
There are multiple types of pediatric surgery that may be scheduled procedures with preparation time or emergency interventions. Among the most common pediatric surgical procedures are:
- Pediatric general surgery: this includes the most common procedures such as inguinal hernia repair, correction of anorectal malformations, or appendicitis.
- Neonatal surgery: surgical procedures performed on newborn patients, often to correct congenital malformations that may put the patient’s life at risk if not treated immediately; this includes repair of esophageal atresia, correction of gastroschisis, and repair of congenital heart malformations.
- Pediatric oncologic surgery: in children, the treatment of childhood cancer requires specialized surgical intervention with the goal of removing tumors while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. Among the most common cancers treated with this procedure in children are neuroblastoma, Wilms tumor, and sarcomas.
- Pediatric cardiac surgery and thoracic surgery: focuses on treating conditions of both the heart and lungs, including congenital heart malformations.
- Pediatric gastrointestinal surgery: a branch that addresses digestive system problems in children such as Hirschsprung disease, intestinal obstruction, or severe gastroesophageal reflux.
- Pediatric trauma surgery: when babies, children, or adolescents experience an accident, the pediatric surgeon has the expertise to manage different types of trauma such as bone fractures or abdominal trauma, for example.
- Pediatric neurosurgery: focuses on the diagnosis and surgical treatment of nervous system disorders, including the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves, such as congenital malformations, hydrocephalus, or epilepsy.
Pediatric specialty clinic
When discussing pediatric surgery, a pediatric specialty clinic or pediatric center plays an essential role in providing care to children with surgical needs.
In these facilities, there are various areas of pediatric medicine that allow patients to receive comprehensive care in one place.
In addition to pediatric surgical procedures, a pediatric center also offers advanced diagnostic services, rehabilitation therapies, and psychological support for both pediatric patients and their families.
Young patients have unique needs; for this reason, pediatric surgery is crucial in medical care.
Pediatric surgeon near me
At the Pediatrics Center of Centro Médico ABC, we have a team of specialists in pediatric surgery who are highly trained and dedicated to providing comprehensive and personalized care for all your surgical needs.
Our pediatric surgeons in CDMX are committed to your well-being and use the latest technology and the most advanced treatments to manage conditions such as inguinal hernia, appendicitis, Wilms tumor, and more.
Fuentes:
Healthy Children, Cigna, MedlinePlus
