Surgical conditions

Abstract

While it is well recognized that medical problems in children differ from adults, likewise paediatric surgery differs in that many operations are performed to enable the child to return to a normal growth and development as opposed to only reconstruction surgery in the mature adult. The old tradition that the newborn baby should have the minimal surgery required and, if possible, to defer action until the child is older, is now completely outmoded. In relation to age the technical aspects and the physiological and psychological responses vary and require full consideration in management. While there are an increasing number of paediatric surgeons, some have specialized in fields such as cardiac surgery, urology and neurosurgery, but at district hospital level most children’s surgery is done by the general surgeon. It is fortunately not uncommon to find at least one member of such a team who takes a special interest in paediatric surgery.