Parents often experience anxiety and confusion when they hear the term "surgery" in reference to their child. These feelings are obvious. As a parent, you might be thinking - Is it truly necessary? Will my kid be alright? What are the risks? And, these worries are very understandable.
Most treatments are normal, safe, and performed to enhance a child's health and quality of life. Reality, children have surgery more frequently than people believe. Choose a highly trusted, board-certified child surgeon in Siliguri or at your nearest location.
The most frequent causes of pediatric surgery are broken down in plain, easy language in this blog. You might feel more educated, less nervous, and more equipped to help your kid if you understand why these treatments are carried out.
Let’s Know Why Surgery Is Necessary for Your Child
Children may require surgery for a number of reasons, such as infections, injuries, developmental problems, or diseases connected to birth. Some operations, like elective surgeries, are scheduled, while others could be urgent or even emergencies.
Using methods and tools designed specifically for young patients, pediatric surgeons, and specialists have extensive training in providing treatment for children.
So, let's talk about the most prevalent health conditions that may necessitate pediatric surgery.
Among the most common procedures performed on kids are ENT surgeries. They deal with problems that impact hearing, respiration, and the general development of kids.
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a) Adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy
Reason: Prolonged snoring, sleep apnea, trouble swallowing, and recurrent throat infections can be brought on by enlarged/ swollen tonsils or adenoids.
The procedure involves either removing the tonsils (tonsillectomy) or the adenoids (adenoidectomy), or occasionally both. It makes breathing easier for your kids, lowers the risk of infections, and improves the quality of sleep.
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b) Ear Tubes (Myringotomy with Tube Insertion)
Reason: Ongoing ear infections or fluid accumulation that affects hearing occur in certain kids. The procedure involves inserting tiny tubes into the eardrum to let air and fluid flow.
Prevents infections in the future and safeguards the development of hearing in children, which is crucial for their speech and education.
Hernia Repairs
A weak point in the abdominal wall allows a portion of the intestine to press through, resulting in hernias. This is often an umbilical hernia (near the belly button) or an inguinal hernia (in the groin area) in kid.
If left untreated, hernias in kids can lead to difficulties and do not go away on their own. To strengthen the weak area of the muscle, a little incision is created. Hernia repair in children prevents discomfort, edema, and the possibility of intestinal blockage, a serious condition known as incarceration.
Appendectomy (Appendix Removal)
One of the most common illnesses among children is appendicitis - an infection and inflammation of the appendix. It is a little pouch connected to the big intestine, which is the cause.
If it is left untreated, such an inflammation may rupture and result in a severe infection. The appendix is removed, typically via a laparoscopic, minimally invasive method. The benefits include preventing potentially fatal complications and facilitating a speedy recovery for kids.
Orthopedic Surgeries (Bones and Joints)
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a) Repairing Fractures
A cast alone may not be enough to cure some broken bones, especially if the break is large or close to a growth plate. Your kid’s bone may be stabilized with screws, plates, or metal pins. Now, this procedure can ensure appropriate recovery and avoid chronic issues with development or mobility.
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b) Growth Issue Corrective Surgery
Surgery may be necessary for conditions including hip dysplasia, clubfoot, or scoliosis (curvature of the spine). Depending on the issue and diagnosis, a pediatric surgeon may decide on the operation that may involve stabilization or realignment. Growth issue corrective surgery prevents future pain or impairment and enhances posture and movement.
Urological Surgeries
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i) Medical circumcision
This pediatric surgery is occasionally done for medical reasons, such as phimosis (tight foreskin) or recurrent infections. The foreskin of your kid is removed during the procedure, which enhances cleanliness and prevents recurring illnesses.
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ii) Repair of Undescended Testes (Orchiopexy)
Surgery is of importance if one or both testicles are unable to descend into the scrotum on their own. The procedure involves inserting the testicle into the scrotum and fastening it there. It lowers the chance of testicular cancer and infertility in later life.
Gastrointestinal Surgeries
The digestive system is the subject of these operations.
Surgery for Pyloric Stenosis
Projectile vomiting and dehydration might result from an infant's stomach-small intestine opening being too tiny. The procedure involves widening the muscle to let food flow through. It restores regular development and nutrition.
Intestinal Blockages
The cause of blockages may include congenital disorders, scar tissue, or twisted intestines. Here, the intestinal obstruction is removed and corrected during the procedure. Intestinal blockage surgery helps avoid major problems like tissue death or infection.
Heart Surgeries
Congenital cardiac abnormalities in certain youngsters necessitate surgical treatment. Circulation and development in your kid might be impacted by defects like as heart holes (ASD or VSD), malfunctioning valves, or more complicated disorders.
Pediatric surgeons in Siliguri or near you may replace or repair cardiac structures, depending on the problem. And, it enhances energy levels, oxygen flow, and general health. Many kids grow up to lead healthy, active lives.
Eye Surgeries
Learning and development depend on vision, and some eye disorders may require surgery. Surgery for strabismus (crossed eyes) assists in correct eye alignment.
Though it is uncommon in youngsters, cataract removal may be advised if vision is impaired by a clouded lens. Why is it beneficial to avoid long-term visual issues and promote healthy vision development?
Dental and Oral Surgeries
Children may also require jaw or mouth surgery, and for overcrowded teeth or teeth with major deterioration. Hence, repairing cleft lips and palates fixes congenital abnormalities that impact speech, nutrition, and attractiveness.
Pediatric dental and oral surgeries are important, as they boost confidence, speaking, and oral health.
Final Words
It's never easy to hear that your child requires surgery. However, you should keep in mind that most pediatric procedures are regular, safe, and done to enhance your child's quality of life. These treatments, which range from curing recurrent ear infections to fixing cardiac abnormalities, usually prevent further health problems and enable kids to flourish. You might get guidance and support from the best child surgeon in Siliguri City for personalized care from Dr. Manish Madhav.
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