Paediatric Surgery Day

By Dr. Prashant Jain in Centre For Child Health

Jan 02 , 2023 | 1 min read

What is Paediatric Surgery?

Paediatric surgery is a much specialised surgical speciality taking care of various surgical problems right from unborn babies, new-born, infants, child to adolescents. The speciality primarily takes care of various congenital and acquired problems in children related to the gastrointestinal, urological system, and thoracic systems. The speciality is distinct and needs skilled care as the paediatric surgical problems are unique and at the same time the physiological response of kids is different from that of adults. These congenital problems in children are very common with a worldwide incidence of 6%. The surgical management if timely diagnosed and treated is potentially lifesaving. Unfortunately two third of these children especially in low income groups because of a lack of facilities are deprived of surgical management and succumbed to death. The 29th of December is celebrated as Paediatric Surgery Day to make the masses aware about the safe surgical options for their children and to highlight the role of paediatric surgeons in providing quality surgical care healthcare for children. With advancements in techniques, surgical kills and perioperative care a significant improvement has been observed in the overall outcome of paediatric surgical problems. This also has a significant contribution from various medical specialities like neonatology, paediatric intensive care, paediatric nephrology, paediatric gastroenterology etc. Over two to three decades the advances in minimally invasive surgery, laparoscopic surgery and robotic-assisted surgery has further revolutionised the management of the surgical patient and are gradually replacing open surgeries with large incisions. We, paediatric surgeons,strive to improve clinical training, skills, and infrastructure, especially in remote areas and keep ourselves updated with current knowledge and technology to provide the best care for our tender and fragile patients. Image byFreepik