Pediatric surgeons have the expertise to perform surgical procedures or operations on children, from fetuses to teenagers aged 18 years. This surgical subspecialist holds the title Sp. BA.
Pediatric surgeons are tasked with performing surgery in cases of emergency, injury, infection, cancer or tumors, genetic disorders, and congenital disorders in children.
Diseases Treated by Pediatric Surgeons
Medical conditions treated by doctors with this subspecialty include:
- Disorders of the digestive tract, such as hernia, achalasia, gastric stenosis, intestinal obstruction, intussusception, appendicitis, Hirschsprung’s disease, inflammation of the abdominal cavity lining (peritonitis), holes in the stomach and intestines (perforation), and abdominal injuries.
- Problems with the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas, such as cholecystitis or inflammation of the bile duct, gallbladder cysts, biliary atresia, pancreatic pseudocysts, pancreatitis, and liver cancer.
- Reproductive system disorders, such as testicular tumors, ovarian tumors, ovarian cysts, and undescended testicles (descensus testis).
- Abnormalities in the chest cavity and respiratory tract, for example chest injury, pneumothorax, hematothorax, pectus excavatum and pectus carinatum and tumors in the chest cavity.
- Fractures and joint dislocations, and bone tumors.
- Disorders of the blood and lymphatic system, for example lymphangioma, enlarged lymph nodes, and an enlarged spleen or splenomegaly.
- Disorders of the brain nerves, such as neuroblastoma, severe head injuries, and brain hemorrhages that require surgery.
- Problems with the kidney system, such as hypospadias, epispadias, kidney infections, kidney injuries and kidney stones.
- Disorders of the bladder, such as urinary tract infections and bladder stones.
- Tumors and cancer.
- Skin problems, including severe burns and melanoma (skin cancer).
- Intensive care includes cardiopulmonary resuscitation, fluid and electrolyte therapy, management of acid-base disorders, and intensive monitoring of the child’s condition.
Medical Procedures That Can Be Performed by a Pediatric Surgeon
According to the regulations of the Indonesian Medical Council (KKI) regarding the standards of professional education and competence of pediatric surgeons, doctors with this subspecialty must have the competence to provide services, management procedures, and manage health problems in the field of pediatric surgery as a whole. Their duties and roles include:
- Diagnosing based on medical interviews, physical examinations, and supporting examinations.
- Explain clearly, completely, correctly, and honestly about the purpose, necessity, benefits, and risks of the medical procedure to be carried out.
- Performs pediatric surgical clinical procedures according to diagnosis, needs, and authority.
- Perform emergency medical procedures according to the patient’s health problems and his/her authority as a pediatric surgeon.
- Explains the indications for administering medication, how the medication works, dosage, and its application to patients.
- Managing pediatric surgical patients in the polyclinic, operating room, nursing ward, intensive care unit (ICU), and emergency installation.
- Educating and providing counseling related to health development of pediatric surgical patients, to patient families and the community.
When Should You Visit a Pediatric Surgeon?
In general, patients can see a pediatric surgeon upon referral from a pediatrician or general practitioner who previously treated the patient. Some conditions that require a child to see a pediatric surgeon are:
- Have received a referral from a pediatrician or general practitioner to consult a pediatric surgeon regarding medical conditions and further treatment.
- The child has a disease, disorder, or disorder that requires surgery.
- There is pain that requires immediate surgical intervention.
- The child has a congenital abnormality or genetic disorder that requires a surgical procedure.
Preparation Before and After Visiting a Pediatric Surgeon
Here are some things you need to prepare before seeing a pediatric surgeon:
- Record the symptoms experienced by the child in detail.
- Bring a book of your child’s health history since in the womb.
- Bring the results of previous supporting examinations. For example, blood tests, X-rays, CT scans, or biopsies.
- Inform your doctor about any medical or herbal medicines and supplements you are currently taking.
- Discuss the treatment options available and the success rates and risks of each.
