Taoyuan Armed Forces General Hospital

Introduction

Pediatric surgery is a specialized field dedicated to the surgical care of patients ranging from newborns to adolescents up to 18 years of age. During the neonatal and infant stages, the anatomy, physiology, pathology, and pharmacology of these patients differ significantly from those of adults. This variation requires specialized medical skills and expertise for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

Additionally, pediatric surgery encompasses a variety of rare conditions that are not commonly seen in adults, such as:

• Neonatal Diseases: Cryptorchidism, Intussusception, Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis, Biliary Atresia, Intestinal Atresia, Anal Atresia, and Megacolon.
• Pediatric Tumors: Hepatoblastoma
• Congenital Malformations: Diagnosis and Correction of Fetal Abnormalities

Apart from orthopedic, neurosurgical, and cardiovascular surgery, pediatric surgery addresses conditions related to the gastrointestinal tract, thoracic cavity, reproductive system, and urinary system. It also involves the correction of neonatal deformities and prenatal diagnosis.

Key Techniques

1. Hernia Repair Surgery: The procedure is conducted under general anesthesia to repair hernias in the pediatric abdominal wall. Through minimally invasive techniques that involve small incisions, the hernia sac is repositioned, and the defect is repaired. The surgery is safe, facilitating a swift recovery and minimizing postoperative discomfort.
2. Hypospadias Surgery: A corrective surgery for male infants with abnormal urethral openings. The procedure can be performed when the infant is a few months old to ensure proper urinary function. It utilizes advanced suturing techniques to ensure optimal positioning and function of the urethra.
3. Excision of Umbilical Cord Remnant: Treats abnormalities of the urachus to prevent abscesses, redness, and infections associated with secretions. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia, during which the remnant is carefully excised, and the surrounding tissue is repaired. This ensures normal urine discharge following surgery and reduces the risk of recurrence.
4. Tongue-Tie Release Surgery: This treatment targets restricted tongue movement in infants, improving their speech and feeding capabilities. The procedure is conducted under general anesthesia to excise the excess tissue that was causing the tie. The surgery is straightforward, safe, and facilitates a rapid recovery, thereby supporting language development.