Paediatric Surgery

Children may experience sudden or chronic abdominal pain, which may sometimes require surgery. Possible causes include:

• Appendicitis – Sudden severe pain on the lower right side of the abdomen, often with vomiting or fever, may indicate an inflamed appendix that needs removal.
• Hernias – If an abdominal or groin hernia becomes painful or swollen, surgery may be needed to prevent complications.
• Bowel obstruction – Persistent vomiting, bloating, or inability to pass stool could indicate an intestinal blockage.

When to see a paediatric surgeon: If your child has severe, persistent, or worsening abdominal pain, immediate medical attention is crucial.

Some birth-related penile conditions may require surgical correction for normal function and appearance. Common conditions include:

• Hypospadias – A condition where the urethral opening is not at the tip of the penis, affecting urination.
• Buried or hidden penis – When the penis is partially hidden under the skin due to abnormal development.

When to see a paediatric surgeon: If your child has a structural issue affecting urination or appearance, early consultation (usually within the first year) is advised for the best surgical outcomes.

If your child experiences frequent redness, swelling, or infections of the foreskin, it may indicate:

• Phimosis – A tight foreskin that does not retract properly, leading to infections or difficulty urinating.
• Balanitis – Inflammation of the foreskin and head of the penis, often causing pain and discomfort.

When to see a paediatric surgeon: If your child has repeated infections, difficulty urinating, or pain, circumcision or other surgical interventions may be considered.

Sudden testicular or scrotal pain in boys is a medical emergency and should be evaluated immediately. Possible causes include:

• Testicular torsion – A twisted testicle that cuts off blood flow, requiring urgent surgery.
• Torsion of the appendix testis – A less severe but painful condition that may need medical evaluation.
• Inguinal hernia complications – If a hernia extends into the scrotum, it may cause pain and require surgical repair.

When to see a paediatric surgeon: Immediate medical attention is required for sudden, severe scrotal pain to rule out serious conditions like testicular torsion.

Although ovarian cysts are common in girls and teens, some may require surgical removal if they:

• Cause severe pain
• Are large and persistent
• Twist (ovarian torsion) – Cutting off blood supply, leading to sharp abdominal pain and nausea

When to see a paediatric surgeon: If your daughter has persistent or severe pelvic pain, nausea, or bloating, an ultrasound and surgical evaluation may be needed.

If your child has difficulty urinating, recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), or abnormal urinary patterns, a surgical evaluation may be necessary. Common conditions include:

• Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) – A condition where urine flows backward from the bladder to the kidneys, leading to repeated infections.
• Urethral strictures – Narrowing of the urethra causing difficulty in urination.
• Neurogenic bladder – Issues with bladder control due to nerve problems.

When to see a paediatric surgeon: If your child has recurrent UTIs, difficulty urinating, or incontinence despite toilet training, further evaluation is recommended.