When children fall ill or injure themselves, a pediatric surgeon is qualified to operate and treat your child no matter what the disease the child suffers from. A general surgeon is very different from a pediatric surgeon as they specifically study and train to operate surgeries on children. Nowadays there are very critical diseases are coming in children where all the medicines are fail to treat them. Only surgery can do by an expert surgeon everywhere. Because such problems can begin in newborns and immediate need of child surgeon who is able to treat them by any surgical treatment.

The specialization is quite difficult and has one of the longest time periods when it comes to the process of becoming a pediatric surgeon. In this article, we will discuss the specialties of a pediatric specialist and when one should consult them.

Who are Pediatric surgeons?

Pediatric surgeons are responsible in operating and treating children right from early growing years till adolescence until they hit the mark of puberty. This is because children have very different conditions than an adult because they are still developing and harboring new conditions in the body.

Moreover, they cannot specifically raise their concerns and make out symptoms out of ordinary activities and this can be challenging for a general physician or surgeon. Pediatric surgeons study and train regarding everything there is to know about a child and the development stages they go through.

In addition, as it can be hard for children to communicate their health issues, pediatric specialists know exactly what to do to make them feel comfortable and treat them. Because of years of training and practice, they are able to diagnose any kind of condition which a child might be suffering through to aid them. There are specifically four kinds of specializations:

Prenatal:

Prenatal development stage refers to the stage where the baby is still in the mother's womb. Therefore, pediatric surgeons along with radiologists would determine issues in the womb and check for any problem in the fetus's condition. Once they can diagnose a problem, they can further perform surgeries after their birth. However, prenatal surgeries are still new and are available at big hospitals only.

Neonatal:

Neonatal is also a child development stage where pediatric surgeons would treat children who have been born with any congenital disabilities which are also called as birth defects. Conjoined twins can also be separated through surgery after they reach an age right for surgery.

Trauma:

If a child injures themselves such as a cut or fracture and even internal injury, a pediatric surgeon is qualified to operate them. Because children are unpredictable, a pediatric surgeon is important to maintain their growth and protect from fatal problems.

Oncology:

Pediatric oncologists are the only doctors who are qualified to operate on children who have benign or malignant cancer tumors. Their bodies are different and still growing which is why they need different care than adults. Moreover, children require special attention when it comes to symptoms and should be taken to a pediatric surgeon if there is any doubt.

Types of Surgeries

There are several surgeries that a pediatric surgeon can perform on children such as:

• Thoracic surgeries such as operation of lung, airway, diaphragmatic and esophageal surgery.
• Minimal Surgery: surgeons use standard operation techniques with a minimal amount of scarring and quick recovery process.
• If a child suffers through issues in the blood vessels such as arteries, capillaries or veins, then a surgeon would perform a Vascular Surgery.
• Children may have spleen disorders such as splenomegaly which can be treated through surgery and followed by medication.
• There are several ovarian disorders such as tumors, cysts that can be treated with ovary surgery.
• Trauma surgery such as children suffering from injuries such as cuts, burns, etc.
• Diseases pertaining to the reproductive and urinary system can be treated with Genitourinary surgery.

When to consult a Pediatric Surgeon?

A child may need to see a pediatric surgeon if the following conditions arise in them:

• Congenital problems i.e. birth defects.
• Injuries like cuts, internal bleeding, liver lacerations etc.
• Transplant operations.
• In case of cancer treatment (Benign or malignant tumor removal)
• Endoscopy of digestive tract
• Surgery such as an abnormal growth of groin in adolescence of even childhood which would consists of undescended testes, Pediatric hydrocele and Hernia Surgery

What Happens at a Pediatric Hospital?

• A member from the hospital assists the child to make sure the pre-surgery formalities are complete such as a flu exam.
• In case of surgery, the child changes his/her clothes to a gown and is put to sleep through anesthesia.
• It may take some time to follow through depending on the type of surgery. After the operation, they need to stay overnight to be under professional observation. Discharge follows up the next day.