Paediatric Surgery
Paediatric Surgery & Specialised Surgical Care for Children
Paediatric surgery is a specialised branch of surgery focused on the diagnosis and surgical treatment of medical conditions affecting newborns, infants, children and adolescents. Children have unique medical needs, and their treatment requires careful assessment based on their age, growth and overall health.
At Habib Hospital, parents and caregivers can enquire about paediatric surgical consultations for children who may need evaluation for a congenital condition, abdominal problem, hernia or other surgical concern. The appropriate treatment depends on the child's condition and clinical findings.
Not every condition requires surgery. Depending on the diagnosis, a child may need observation, medication, additional investigations or a surgical procedure. The treating team explains the available options to parents or guardians.
Comprehensive Paediatric Surgical Care
Surgical conditions in children can be present at birth or develop during childhood. Some cause visible swelling or discomfort, while others may be identified during routine examinations or diagnostic testing.
A paediatric surgical assessment generally includes a review of symptoms, medical history and physical examination. Further investigations may be recommended when necessary.
- Evaluation of congenital surgical conditions
- Hernia and hydrocele assessment
- Evaluation of abdominal conditions
- Assessment of appendicitis
- Evaluation of selected lumps and swellings
- Pre-operative assessment and post-operative guidance
Congenital Conditions in Children
Congenital conditions are medical problems that develop before birth and may be identified during pregnancy, shortly after delivery or later in childhood. Some may require surgical treatment, while others can be monitored.
Examples include certain abnormalities of the digestive tract, abdominal wall or urinary system. The timing and type of treatment depend on the specific condition, its severity and the child's overall health.
Early assessment helps parents understand the condition and the possible treatment pathway.
Hernia in Infants & Children
A hernia occurs when tissue pushes through a weak area in the surrounding muscle or abdominal wall. In children, inguinal and umbilical hernias are among the conditions that may require evaluation.
Parents may notice a swelling near the groin or belly button. The swelling may become more noticeable when the child cries, coughs or strains.
Treatment depends on the type of hernia and the child's age. Some umbilical hernias close naturally, while inguinal hernias generally require surgical assessment.
A painful, firm or discoloured swelling, particularly when accompanied by vomiting, requires urgent medical assessment.
Hydrocele
A hydrocele is a collection of fluid around a testicle that may cause swelling in the scrotum. It can occur in newborns and older children.
The appropriate management depends on the child's age, symptoms and clinical findings. Some hydroceles in infants resolve naturally, while others may require further evaluation or surgery.
Appendicitis in Children
Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix and can occur in children and adolescents. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and fever.
The pain may begin near the belly button and later move towards the lower right side of the abdomen, although symptoms can vary.
Suspected appendicitis requires prompt medical evaluation. Treatment depends on the clinical findings and may involve surgery and other appropriate medical care.
Abdominal Conditions in Children
Abdominal pain in children can have many causes, including digestive problems, infections and conditions that may require surgical treatment.
Some children may experience persistent pain, abdominal swelling, vomiting or changes in bowel habits. The combination of symptoms, examination findings and any required investigations helps guide further management.
Severe or worsening abdominal pain, repeated vomiting or a swollen abdomen should be assessed urgently.
Intestinal Obstruction & Intussusception
Intestinal obstruction occurs when the normal passage of food and digestive contents through the intestine becomes blocked. In children, it may result from several underlying conditions.
Intussusception is a condition in which one part of the intestine slides into an adjacent section. It can cause episodes of severe abdominal pain, vomiting and lethargy.
These conditions can be serious and need urgent medical assessment. Treatment depends on the diagnosis and the child's condition.
Undescended Testis
An undescended testis occurs when one or both testicles do not move into the scrotum before birth. The condition may be noticed during a newborn examination or later assessment.
Medical evaluation helps determine the location of the testis and the appropriate timing of treatment. Surgery may be recommended when indicated.
Paediatric Urological Conditions
Some children develop conditions affecting the urinary tract or external genital structures. These may be present at birth or become apparent as the child grows.
Assessment may include a physical examination and appropriate investigations. Depending on the condition, treatment may involve monitoring, medical management or a surgical procedure.
Soft Tissue Lumps & Swellings
Lumps or swellings in children may develop for several reasons, including cysts, enlarged lymph nodes and other tissue conditions. Many are not serious, but an examination helps establish the likely cause.
The doctor may recommend imaging or other tests depending on the location, size, duration and characteristics of the swelling. Treatment is guided by the diagnosis.
Minimally Invasive Paediatric Surgery
Minimally invasive surgery uses small incisions and specialised instruments to perform selected procedures. Laparoscopic surgery is one such approach.
For suitable conditions, minimally invasive techniques may offer benefits such as smaller incisions and potentially shorter recovery periods. However, these techniques are not appropriate for every child or every condition.
The surgeon explains the available approaches and recommends a procedure based on the child's needs.
Preparing Your Child for Surgery
Preparing a child for surgery involves medical assessment and clear communication with parents or guardians. The team reviews the child's medical history, current medicines, allergies and overall health.
Parents receive instructions about fasting, medicines and hospital arrival when applicable. It is important to follow these instructions and inform the team about any recent illness or changes in the child's health.
Anaesthesia & Child Safety
Anaesthesia helps children undergo surgical procedures safely and comfortably. The type of anaesthesia depends on the procedure, the child's age and medical condition.
The anaesthesia team reviews relevant medical information and explains the preparation and monitoring process to parents or guardians. Appropriate monitoring continues during the procedure and recovery.
Recovery After Paediatric Surgery
Recovery depends on the type of procedure, the child's age and overall health. Some children can return home on the same day, while others need hospital observation.
Parents receive guidance about wound care, pain management, medicines, feeding, activity and follow-up appointments. Following these instructions supports recovery and helps identify problems early.
Contact the treating team if the child develops increasing pain, persistent fever, repeated vomiting, wound redness or discharge, or any other concerning symptom.
When Should Parents Seek Medical Attention?
Parents should seek medical advice if a child develops persistent pain, an unexplained swelling or symptoms that interfere with normal feeding, movement or daily activities.
- Persistent or worsening abdominal pain
- Painful swelling in the groin
- Repeated vomiting or abdominal swelling
- A wound that becomes increasingly red or swollen
- Unexplained lumps or changes in an existing swelling
Severe abdominal pain, green or bloody vomit, difficulty breathing, unusual drowsiness or a painful groin swelling requires urgent medical evaluation.
Our Approach to Paediatric Surgical Care
A surgical concern involving a child can be stressful for the entire family. Clear communication helps parents understand the diagnosis, the treatment options and the expected recovery process.
Care decisions should consider the child's age, growth, medical history and individual needs. Parents or guardians should have the opportunity to discuss their concerns and understand the proposed treatment before proceeding.
Book a Paediatric Surgery Consultation
If your child has a condition that may require surgical evaluation, contact Habib Hospital to enquire about paediatric surgery consultation availability.
Bring previous medical reports, scan results, prescriptions and relevant birth or treatment records to the appointment when available.
Important: The information on this page is for general educational purposes and does not replace medical advice. A qualified doctor should assess the child and recommend appropriate care.