What is a Pediatric Surgeon?
Pediatric surgeons specialize in the surgical care of children. They are surgeons who, by training, are oriented toward working with children (babies on up to teenagers) and understanding their special needs. In addition to completing training and achieving board certification in general surgery (which normally takes five to six years of post medical school training), pediatric surgeons complete two additional years of training exclusively in children’s surgery. They then receive special certification in the subspecialty of pediatric surgery. Pediatric surgeons are primarily concerned with the diagnosis, pre-operative, operative and post-operative management of surgical problems in children. Neonatologists, pediatricians and family physicians will recognize conditions that need surgery. Pediatric surgeons then work with them, cooperate with all of the specialists involved in a child’s medical care, to determine whether surgery is the best option for the child.
What is the Focus of Pediatric Surgery?
Pediatric surgeons use their expertise in providing surgical care for all problems or conditions in children that require surgical intervention. They also specialize in the following areas:
- Neonatal
Pediatric surgeons have specialized knowledge in the surgical repair of birth defects, some of which may be life threatening to premature and even full-term infants.
- Trauma
Because trauma is the number one killer of children in the United States, pediatric surgeons are routinely faced with critical care situations involving traumatic injuries sustained by children.
- Pediatric Oncology
Pediatric surgeons are involved in the diagnosis and surgical care of children with malignant tumors as well as those with benign growths.
View Surgeons
Problems Diagnosed or Treated
The Surgery Clinic manages all neonatal and pediatric surgical disorders including:
- Birth Defects
- Appendicitis
- Hernias - a protrusion of the bowel from the abdomen into an area where it normally would not be
- Hydroceles - a collection of fluid in the scrotal sac (by the testicle)
- Testicles that are undescended
- Gastroesophageal reflux – stomach acid backing up into the esophagus
- Thoracic problems such as chest wall abnormalities
- Thoracic and abdominal tumors
- Endocrine disorders
Many times, laparoscopic surgery can be utilized. Laparoscopic surgery refers to any surgical procedure using a fiber optic device that allows the surgeon to operate without the use of an open incision. Instead the surgeon makes several small incisions through which the instruments are passed. This minimizes scarring for the child and helps to speed recovery.
The Surgical Team Is Part of A Larger Team Here For Your Child
In addition to the pediatric surgeon, there are a number of dedicated professionals
that will help care for your child. Each member of the team has special training
in pediatrics--whether they’re the surgeon, radiologist, nurse or anesthesiologist.
Preparing for Surgery
- Tell your child as clearly as you can why he or she is going to the hospital and what will happen during the hospital stay. Help your child to know he or she is not here for punishment and that you will stay at the hospital the entire time.
- Plan ahead as you may be here for some time. Make plans to bring money for your meals in our cafeteria or bring your meals with you. If your child is admitted, then your child’s meals, diapers and pajamas are provided.
The night before surgery, be sure to give your child a bath and shampoo to
reduce the risk of infection. It is extremely important that your child follows
the feeding schedule given to you prior to your child’s surgery.
The Bottom Line…Why You Should Choose Our Hospital
Care for children is different than care for adults. We know that at Arkansas Children’s Hospital. We have the only board certified pediatric surgeons in the state of Arkansas. We are one of only 22 centers in the United States that train future pediatric surgeons. For over 80 years, we have dedicated ourselves to bringing the latest pediatric medical expertise and technology to children of all ages. We provide services not usually found at other hospitals: pediatric trained anesthesiologists, radiologists, nutritionists, pain managers, respiratory therapists, nurses and more. We even have Child Life and Education staff here to explain procedures to children and to incorporate play and schoolwork into the hospital stay when appropriate. Best of all, we center our care around the family. Our team of physicians, nurses and other staff will work tirelessly to make sure your entire family has the resources it needs to better your child’s health. We are dedicated to changing children’s lives!
How to Contact Us
For more information or to schedule a visit, please call 501-364-1446
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