Pediatric Surgery & Pediatric Urology: Conditions We Treat
Children may come to a pediatric surgeon because of a problem noticed during pregnancy, a condition present from birth, or problems that develop later. An assessment helps determine whether treatment, observation or surgery is needed.
Pediatric Surgery & Pediatric Urology Conditions
Problems noticed during pregnancy sonography
Newborn & Infant Conditions
Pediatric Urology
Digestive System & Intestinal Problems in Children
Pediatric Surgical Emergencies
Minimally Invasive & Endoscopic Surgery
Miscellaneous Conditions
Problems noticed during pregnancy sonography
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Some conditions are first noticed during pregnancy sonography, including hydronephrosis, abdominal wall defects and congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Parents may be referred to a paediatric surgeon to understand what the finding means, what to expect after birth, and whether the baby may need treatment or surgery later.
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Newborn and Infant Conditions
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Some surgical conditions are present from birth, while others become noticeable during the first few months of life. Early assessment can help decide whether a child needs observation, treatment or surgery.
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Anorectal malformations
The opening for passing stool is absent or not in its usual position.
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Hirschsprung's disease
A condition in which part of the intestine does not move stool normally, causing difficulty in passing stool and abdominal swelling.
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Intestinal obstruction
The intestine is blocked, causing vomiting, abdominal swelling and difficulty passing stool or gas.
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Oesophageal atresia & tracheo-oesophageal fistula
The food pipe does not connect normally to the stomach and may have an abnormal connection with the windpipe.
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Pyloric stenosis
Thickening of the outlet of the stomach causes forceful vomiting, usually in a young infant.
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Umbilical problems
Swelling or discharge from the umbilicus, including umbilical granuloma and umbilical hernia.
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Infantile hernia and hydrocele
A swelling in the groin or scrotum caused by intestine or fluid passing into the scrotum because of a persistent passage between the abdomen and the groin.
Pediatric Urology
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Children are referred for problems affecting the kidneys, urinary tract, bladder, penis or testicles. Pediatric urological conditions are different from those in adults. These are best assessed and treated by someone trained in paediatric urology and paediatric surgery.
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Hypospadias
The urine opening is not in its usual place and the penis may look bent.
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Undescended testis
One or both testicles have not come down into the scrotum.
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Problems with the foreskin
Tightness, difficulty retracting the foreskin, repeated infections or swelling of the foreskin.
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Abnormal urinary stream
A narrow, weak, spraying or otherwise unusual stream of urine may indicate a problem in the urinary passage.
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Urinary tract infectionsÂ
Repeated infections of the urinary tract can be related to an underlying problem in the kidneys or urinary system, which may have consequences if left untreated.
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Hydronephrosis
Swelling of the kidney caused by a problem with the flow of urine.
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Vesicoureteric reflux
Urine flows backwards from the bladder towards the kidneys, sometimes causing repeated urinary infections.
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Posterior urethral valves
An obstruction in the urine passage in boys that can interfere with the flow of urine and affect the bladder and kidneys.
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Ureterocele
A swelling at the lower end of the ureter that may interfere with the normal flow of urine.
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Urine leakage & wetting problems
Persistent bedwetting, daytime wetting or leakage of urine may sometimes be related to an underlying urinary problem.
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Bladder dysfunction
Problems with storing or emptying urine may cause urgency, frequent urination, wetting or recurrent infections.
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Gastroesophageal reflux disease
Persistent reflux causing troublesome vomiting, feeding difficulties or poor weight gain.
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Intestinal malrotation
Abnormal positioning of the intestine that may cause recurrent vomiting or digestive problems.
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Meckel’s diverticulum
A congenital pouch in the intestine that may cause bleeding, pain or obstruction.
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Pediatric gallstones
Stones in the gallbladder that may cause abdominal pain, vomiting or inflammation.
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Choledochal cyst
A congenital dilatation of the bile duct that may cause abdominal pain, jaundice or pancreatitis.
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Biliary atresia
A serious condition in which the bile ducts are blocked or absent, causing progressive jaundice in infancy.
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Abdominal cysts and intra-abdominal masses
Cysts or masses within the abdomen that may require observation or surgical treatment.
Pediatric Surgical Emergencies
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Acute appendicitis
Inflammation of the appendix causing abdominal pain, vomiting and fever, often requiring urgent treatment.
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Intestinal obstruction
Blockage of the intestine causing abdominal pain, vomiting and abdominal distension.
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Intussusception
One part of the intestine slides into another, causing severe intermittent pain, vomiting and sometimes blood in the stool.
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Volvulus
Twisting of the intestine that can compromise its blood supply and requires urgent treatment.
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Perforation of the intestine
A hole in the intestine causing leakage of its contents and serious abdominal infection.
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Gastrointestinal bleeding
Bleeding from the digestive tract that may appear as blood in vomit or stool and requires prompt assessment.
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Acute scrotal emergencies
Sudden painful swelling of the scrotum, including testicular torsion, requiring urgent assessment.
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Laparoscopy
Keyhole surgery through small openings in the abdomen, using a laparoscope with a high-definition camera and fine instruments introduced through small ports. It provides a magnified view of the abdominal organs.
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Thoracoscopy
Minimally invasive surgery within the chest, using a small thoracoscope and specialised long instruments introduced between the ribs. It provides a magnified view of the lungs, oesophagus and other structures within the chest.
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Cystourethroscopy
A minimally invasive examination of the urethra and bladder using a small telescope passed through the natural urinary passage. Modern optical systems provide a magnified view and allow selected procedures to be performed without an external incision.
