Neonatal & Paediatric Surgery is a specialized branch of surgery that deals with the diagnosis, management, and surgical treatment of congenital and acquired conditions in newborns (neonates), infants, children, and adolescents. It focuses on delicate procedures to correct anatomical abnormalities, life-threatening conditions, and developmental defects.

Subspecialties & Common Conditions Treated

1. Neonatal Surgery (Newborns up to 28 days old)

Specialized in handling congenital defects present at birth, such as:

• Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) – A hole in the diaphragm allowing abdominal organs to move into the chest.
• Tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) & Esophageal atresia (EA) – Abnormal connection or incomplete development of the esophagus.
• Gastroschisis & Omphalocele – Abnormalities where the intestines or abdominal organs protrude outside the body.
• Hirschsprung’s disease – A condition causing severe constipation due to missing nerve cells in the intestine.
• Neonatal intestinal obstructions – Includes conditions like meconium ileus and intestinal atresia.

2. Paediatric Surgery (Infants, children & adolescents)

Includes a wide range of conditions such as:

• Congenital anomalies – Cleft lip/palate, undescended testes (cryptorchidism), and congenital hernias.
• Gastrointestinal surgery – Appendicitis, bowel obstruction, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
• Thoracic surgery – Lung malformations, chest wall deformities, and mediastinal tumors.
• Urological surgery – Hypospadias, vesicoureteral reflux, and posterior urethral valves.
• Oncological surgery – Wilms’ tumor, neuroblastoma, teratomas, and other pediatric cancers.
• Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) – Laparoscopic and thoracoscopic surgery for various pediatric conditions.

Advances in Neonatal & Paediatric Surgery

• Minimally Invasive Techniques (Laparoscopy & Thoracoscopy) – Reducing pain, scars, and recovery time.
• Fetal Surgery & In-Utero Interventions – Correcting life-threatening anomalies before birth.
• Robotic-Assisted Paediatric Surgery – Improving precision and reducing complications.
• Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Integration – Enhancing survival rates for preterm and critically ill infants.

Multidisciplinary Approach

Neonatal and pediatric surgery involves collaboration with:

• Neonatologists
• Pediatricians
• Anesthesiologists
• Radiologists
• Geneticists
• Pediatric Oncologists