Pediatric Surgical Emergencies

Pediatric surgical emergencies refer to urgent medical conditions in children that require immediate surgical intervention to prevent further complications or even save a child’s life. These emergencies often involve acute abdominal pain, trauma, infections, or other conditions that require immediate surgical evaluation and treatment. Here are some common pediatric surgical emergencies:

Appendicitis: Appendicitis is one of the most common surgical emergencies in children. It involves inflammation and infection of the appendix, which requires surgical removal (appendectomy) to prevent it from rupturing and causing a potentially life-threatening infection.

Intestinal obstruction: Intestinal obstruction occurs when the normal flow of contents through the intestine is blocked. In children, it can be caused by conditions like intussusception (telescoping of one segment of the intestine into another), volvulus (twisting of the bowel), or the presence of a foreign body. Surgery is often necessary to relieve the obstruction and prevent tissue damage.

Trauma: Children are prone to accidents and injuries, which can result in various surgical emergencies. These may include fractures, head injuries, internal bleeding, or abdominal injuries. Prompt surgical intervention is often required to stabilize the child, control bleeding, repair damaged organs, and prevent further complications.

Strangulated hernia: A hernia occurs when an organ or tissue protrudes through a weak area in the muscle or connective tissue. If the blood supply to the herniated tissue is compromised, it can become strangulated, leading to tissue damage or necrosis. Pediatric inguinal hernias or umbilical hernias that become strangulated typically require emergency surgical repair.

Perforated viscus: A perforated viscus refers to a hole or rupture in the wall of an organ within the abdomen, such as the stomach or intestines. This can be caused by conditions like peptic ulcers, appendicitis, or severe infections. Immediate surgery is necessary to repair the perforation and prevent contamination of the abdominal cavity.

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC): NEC is a serious condition that primarily affects premature infants. It involves inflammation and necrosis of the intestines, often leading to bowel perforation. Surgical intervention is often required to remove the affected bowel segments and prevent further complications.

Neonatal surgical emergencies: Some babies are born with congenital anomalies that are potentially life-threatening or may cause life-long morbidity if not treated on an urgent basis. These babies may need to be operated within the first 48 to 72 hours after birth to improve their chance of survival and good quality of life ahead. Some of these conditions are open myelomeningocoele (spinal dysraphism), trcaheo-esophageal fistula, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, gastroschisis, etc.

Acute abdominal conditions: Various acute abdominal conditions, such as abdominal abscesses, peritonitis (inflammation of the abdominal lining), or acute cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder), may require emergency surgical intervention in children.

A well-equipped children’s hospital having the best of pediatric facilities and staff including doctors, nurses and paramedical personnel gives your baby the best chance of recovery from any emergency.