Preparing Your Child for Surgery: What to Expect
Surgery can be an anxious experience for both children and parents. At such times, finding the right expert who specializes in delicate procedures like Undescended testes surgery, Hypospadias surgery in children, or Robotic pyeloplasty in children becomes crucial. Under the compassionate care of Dr. Deepak Goel — a Senior Consultant Pediatric Surgeon & Pediatric Urologist, Robotic Pediatric Surgeon, MBBS, MS, M.Ch (Pediatric Surgery) based in Nagpur — families receive not only medical excellence but also emotional support through every stage of a child’s surgical journey.
Understanding Pediatric Surgery
Pediatric surgery is a specialized branch that focuses on diagnosing and treating surgical conditions in newborns, infants, children, and adolescents. It includes complex operations such as Hirschsprung’s disease surgery, Teratoma removal in children, Pediatric fundoplication for GERD, Wilms tumor surgery, and Neuroblastoma surgery in children. The goal is always to ensure safety, restore function, and promote long-term healthy development.
Common Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Parents should consider consulting a pediatric surgeon if they notice:
- Persistent abdominal swelling or pain
- Difficulty passing stool or urine
- Abnormalities in genital development (as seen in hypospadias or undescended testes)
- Recurrent vomiting or feeding difficulties (possible GERD or intestinal obstruction)
- Visible lumps or growths
Early diagnosis helps plan timely interventions such as Pediatric appendix treatment, Pediatric hernias treatment, or Pediatric kidney stone removal — preventing future complications.
Causes of Pediatric Surgical Conditions
Some conditions are congenital (present at birth), while others develop later.
Common causes include:
- Genetic or developmental abnormalities
- Infections affecting internal organs
- Hormonal imbalance during fetal growth
- Nutritional deficiencies during pregnancy
- Premature birth leading to incomplete organ formation
Conditions like Neonatal Omphalocele repair or Neonatal Hirschsprung’s disease surgery are often performed soon after birth to correct such structural problems.
Preparing Your Child Emotionally and Physically
- Honest conversations: Explain the surgery simply, without fear.
- Pre-surgery diet and rest: Follow all hospital guidelines on fasting and medications.
- Comfort items: Carry your child’s favorite toy or blanket to ease anxiety.
- Reassurance: Tell them doctors are helpers who will make them feel better.
- Parental calm: Children sense parental emotions — staying composed helps them trust the process.
Procedure and Surgical Techniques
Under the expert hands surgeries are performed with advanced, minimally invasive, and robotic techniques ensuring precision and faster recovery.
Depending on the diagnosis, procedures may include:
- Robotic pyeloplasty in children for kidney obstruction
- Hypospadias repair for urinary opening correction
- Pediatric liver surgeries for congenital hepatic issues
- Neonatal thoracoscopy and laparoscopy for safe minimally invasive interventions
These methods reduce pain, scars, and hospital stay while promoting a smoother post-surgery recovery.
Post-Surgery Care and Recovery
Postoperative care is critical for healing. Parents are advised to:
- Monitor wound healing and maintain hygiene
- Follow medication and follow-up schedules
- Encourage light movement as guided by the doctor
- Ensure adequate nutrition and hydration
- Watch for any fever, redness, or swelling
Expert team ensures personalized recovery plans for every child, especially after complex cases like Wilms tumor surgery or Neuroblastoma surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is pediatric surgery safe for infants?
Yes. When performed by a skilled Pediatric Surgeon like Dr. Goel using modern technology, surgeries are extremely safe and successful.
Q2. How long does recovery take after surgery?
It depends on the procedure. Most children recover within days for minor surgeries, while complex cases may require a few weeks.
Q3. What is the benefit of robotic surgery in children?
Robotic Pediatric Surgery allows for smaller incisions, faster recovery, and greater precision compared to traditional methods.
Q4. When should I consult a pediatric surgeon?
If your child has developmental abnormalities, recurrent infections, or pain related to abdominal or urinary issues, an early consultation is advisable.
