Pediatric Surgery Health Article

Definition

Pediatric surgery is a specialized field of surgery for the treatment of conditions that can be surgically corrected in a baby, child, or adolescent.

Purpose

The purpose of pediatric surgery varies with the procedure. In general, the purpose is to surgically correct a congenital condition, disease, traumatic injury, or other disorder in the pediatric patient.

Demographics

Pediatric surgeons provide treatment for young patients—newborns up through late adolescence.

Description

Pediatric surgery is the surgical branch that uses operative techniques to correct certain pediatric conditions (i.e., congenital abnormalities, tumors, chronic diseases, and traumatic injuries). There are different specialties within the field that include:

• pediatric general surgery
• pediatric otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat)
• pediatric ophthalmology (eye)
• pediatric urology (urogenital system)
• pediatric orthopedic (bone) surgery
• pediatric neurological (brain and spinal cord) surgery
• pediatric plastic (reconstructive and cosmetic) surgery

The American Academy of Pediatrics has established specific guidelines for referral to subspecialists. The pediatric patient has special considerations that differentiate him or her, both physically and psychologically, from an adult. A neonate (newborn) poses great challenge in surgical treatment since the tiny structures and immature organ systems may not cope with disease-induced stress and the physical demands of a major operative procedure. A newborn infant may still be developing key bodily functions, or may have special requirements. Key areas of concern in the newborn include:

• cardiovascular (heart) system
• thermoregulation (temperature requirements of 73°F [22.8°C])
• pulmonary (lung) function
• renal (kidney) function
• immature immunity and liver
• special requirements for fluid, electrolyte (necessary elements such as sodium, potassium, and calcium) and nutrition

The pediatric surgeon must take into account the special requirements unique to the young surgical patient. The pediatric surgeon is trained to treat the entire spectrum of surgical illnesses. The following is an overview (with symptoms) of the more common pediatric conditions that require surgery typically performed by the pediatric surgeon.