Having a child in pain is one of the scariest experiences a parent can have. While every sneeze and sniffle won’t require a visit to your doctor, there are times when pediatric surgery may be necessary to restore and protect your child’s health.
Pediatric surgery includes the diagnostic, operative, and postoperative phases of medical treatment for children. Some common reasons for pediatric surgery include hernias, appendicitis, and pyloric stenosis. At Evansville Surgical Associates, we have surgeons who have specialized in pediatric surgery to provide the highest quality of care for your child.
What Is Pediatric Surgery?
According to The American Board of Surgery, pediatric surgery is defined as:
…the diagnostic, operative, and postoperative surgical care for children with congenital and acquired anomalies and diseases, be they developmental, inflammatory, neoplastic or traumatic.
The American Board of Surgery
In short, this means that pediatric surgery is specifically designed to address surgical problems in children. This includes issues that may appear during:
- In utero
- Infancy
- Childhood
- Adolescence
In some cases, the scope of pediatric surgery can even extend into young adulthood. This can occur when certain conditions extend beyond childhood into adulthood. In cases like these, your child’s pediatric surgeon will help them transition to an adult surgeon so that they continue to receive the surgical care that they need.
Click here to learn more about pediatric surgery in Evansville, Indiana!
Reasons Your Child May Require Surgery
As with adults, there are a variety of reasons why your child may require surgical repair. This can range anywhere from birth defects to the removal of gastric outlet obstructions. While the number of reasons for children’s surgery is seemingly limitless, it helps to focus on some of the most common reasons why it may be necessary.
Some of the most common reasons for pediatric surgery in Evansville, IN, include:
- Hernias
- Appendicitis
- Pyloric stenosis
While far from an exhaustive list, understanding these three common types of children’s surgery can help prepare you for what to expect. With clear expectations and an expert surgical team, you can rest assured that you are always in good hands when your child undergoes pediatric surgery in Evansville, IN.
Hernias
Hernias can be a common issue in children. They can come in different forms such as umbilical hernias which are caused by your child’s intestine pushing through an opening or weak area near their navel. These types of hernias are usually harmless in children and heal on their own by the age of two.
However, surgery may be necessary if your child experiences:
- Vomiting
- Signs of pain
- Tenderness or discoloration near the hernia
Inguinal hernias are one of the most common types of hernia regardless of age. They are the result of an organ pushing through the abdominal muscles, causing bulging in the lower abdomen. This type of hernia can cause serious complications and even be life-threatening, so it’s important to talk to your pediatrician if your child is showing symptoms.
Symptoms for inguinal hernias include a:
- Bulge on either side of the pelvic bone
- Burning or aching sensation at the bulge
- Heavy or dragging sensation in the groin
To learn more about the different types of hernias and how they’re treated, click here!
Appendicitis
Appendicitis affects 70,000 American children a year and is most prevalent between the ages of 10 and 19. It’s also the most common reason for emergency room visits during childhood. The condition can occur for a number of reasons including infection, blockage, and even tumors.
Common symptoms of appendicitis include:
- Sudden abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Fever or chills
- Loss of appetite
While appendicitis can be painful, its possible complications are of much bigger concern. An appendix can develop holes, tears, or even burst if left untreated, releasing stool and mucous into the abdominal cavity. This can lead to the abdominal lining becoming inflamed (peritonitis) which can result in organ failure, blood infections, and even death.
Click here to learn more about appendicitis and how it’s treated!
Pyloric Stenosis
Also known as infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis, pyloric stenosis is the swelling or thickening of the muscle between the stomach and intestines (the pylorus). As the pylorus swells, the pathway between the two organs becomes narrower and prevents the contents of the stomach from moving to the intestine.
Common symptoms include:
- Vomiting that becomes worse over time
- Dehydration
- Excessive sleeping
- Fewer dirty diapers
- Weight loss
Pyloric stenosis is treated with a procedure known as a pyloromyotomy. It involves the surgical division of the pylorus to open up the gastric outlet. This procedure can be performed with minimally invasive techniques that allow for smaller incisions so there are smaller scars, lower risk for infection, and faster recovery times.
Pediatric Surgery in Evansville, IN
At Evansville Surgical Associates, all of our board-certified surgeons have been trained in general surgery. They have the skills and know-how to address virtually any surgical problem, no matter a patient’s age. However, some of our surgeons have made pediatric surgery a special area of interest, pursuing specialized training in pediatric surgical techniques.
Evansville surgeons who have made providing care for children a top priority include:
With their training in pediatric surgery, you can expect the highest quality of care for your child.
Is your child in need of pediatric surgery in Evansville, IN? Call us today at (812) 424-8231 or (800) 264-8231 to schedule your appointment!
With pediatric surgery, our board-certified surgeons can provide high-quality medical care to your child. This process lasts from diagnosis to postoperative care, so we will be with you every step of the way. Some common reasons for pediatric surgery in Evansville, IN, include hernias, appendicitis, and pyloric stenosis.
Evansville Surgical Associates has been providing comprehensive and compassionate surgical care for over 50 years. Call us at (812) 424-8231 or (800) 264-8231. We are available from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm if you would like to schedule an appointment.
