Pediatric surgery encompasses a wide range of procedures, and it’s possible that children will require many of the same treatments as adults. They are not, however, “little adults,” and pediatric surgical specialties arose as a result of the unique treatment needs of children. Some of these specialties are quite common, while others are extremely uncommon.
Ear, nose, and throat (ENT) surgery and pediatric otolaryngology surgery are two well-known types of pediatric surgery. A doctor who specializes in these types of surgeries may be particularly interested in treating conditions that affect children. Tonsil removal or the insertion of tubes in the ears are two examples of pediatric surgery that a pediatric ENT can perform. It should be noted that these surgeons are capable of performing a wide range of complex procedures.
Many people work as pediatric surgeons alone, and these doctors may collaborate with other specialists in the same way that general surgeons collaborate with adult doctors. They may be involved in surgeries to correct abnormalities in organs such as the kidneys or spleen. They could also perform surgery on the gastrointestinal tract. Even though they are specialists, they have a broader scope of practice and can perform a wide range of pediatric surgeries.
The work of a pediatric transplant surgeon is more specialized, and these surgeons are in short supply. They typically have completed general surgery training and may have gone on to specialize in pediatric cardiothoracic surgery. Despite the fact that the surgeries performed are more limited in variety, this is one of the types of pediatric surgery that only the most skilled surgeons undertake.
Pediatric cardiothoracic surgery is a vital specialty in and of itself, as approximately 8 out of every 100 children is born with a congenital heart defect. When possible, these surgeons repair or palliate defects, and some specialize in transplantation. Adults may be operated on by CT surgeons because the entire field of cardiac defects is not well covered by adult cardiac surgery specialties.
Pediatric neurosurgery and pediatric orthopedics are two other types of pediatric surgery. The former can treat a variety of brain anomalies, spine problems, and the presence of abnormal growths, while the latter can treat children for a variety of reasons, including abnormal growth patterns, tumor removal, and a variety of other orthopedic issues. There are pediatric anesthesiologists. Anesthesiology is another important surgical specialty that is useful in almost all other types of pediatric surgery.
A number of types of pediatric surgery are so uncommon that only a few medical centers around the world perform them. One of these is fetal surgery, which is performed on unborn babies and may require a doctor’s knowledge of not only fetal surgical techniques but also a variety of congenital defects or problems that may arise during pregnancy. Pediatric ophthalmologists, who may perform corrective eye surgery, are available at some hospitals. Pediatric plastic surgery is another area of expertise.