What are the Common Pediatric Surgeries?

From 2000 to 2015, a period also known as the Millennium Development Goal period, saw a significant decline in the child mortality rate. The global under-5 mortality rate declined 3.8% from 2000 to 2015, according to data provided by the World Health Organization.

One of the biggest reasons for this decline has been improvements in technology and skills in terms of pediatric surgery. Large Indian cities, such as Delhi, boast excellent pediatric surgeons.

Here’s a look at some of the most common pediatric surgeries that are being performed around the world to reduce mortality and disability.

Appendectomy

Appendectomy is the surgical removal of the appendix, a small pouch on the right side of the abdomen, which is attached to the large intestines. The function of the appendix is not yet clear to medical experts, but it does not seem to have any major role to play. However, the appendix is known to produce immunoglobulins.

At times, the appendix gets blocked, leading to the formation of mucus and bacteria, which can lead to infection and inflammation. A child with such a condition may need an appendectomy. Appendectomy is an open surgery, in which the surgeon makes a cut in the abdomen and removes the appendix.

Gall Bladder Surgery

Although gall bladder removal is much more common in adults, it is becoming more frequent in children in recent times. Cholecystectomy is recommended for children in the following cases:

Presence of stones in the gall bladder.Inflammation due to stones in the gall bladder.Gall bladder becoming infected.Movement of stones into the biliary system.

Gall bladder stones in children are removed using laparoscopic cholecystectomy, which is a minimally invasive surgery. The child is placed under anesthesia and 4 small incisions are made. A camera and instrument are inserted and the gall bladder is removed.

Splenectomy

The procedure of removing the spleen is known as splenectomy. The spleen is a small organ, located on the left side of the abdomen. The spleen filters the blood, removing old blood cells, and regulates the blood flowing to the liver. But children can get blood-related diseases, such as beta thalassemia, idiopathic thrombocytic purpura (ITP), and sickle cell anemia, in which the spleen is needed to be removed.

The spleen is removed laparoscopically or by using a minimally invasive approach. Four small incisions are made, through which an instrument and camera are passed. The spleen is removed with the help of this instrument.

Chest Bracing Therapy

Chest bracing therapy is used for treating mild to moderate cases of pigeon chest among children. In this condition, the breastbone protrudes asymmetrically or symmetrically. Usually, an external brace is used to reshape the chest into a conventional contour. If that does not work, surgery is performed. It is a minimally invasive surgery, in which the pectus excavatum is repaired by the surgeon.

Other than these, bariatric surgery, hernia surgery and removal of diseased intestines are other common pediatric surgeries, say the best pediatric surgeons in Delhi.