Neonatal surgery
Neonatal surgery is a highly specialized field that involves performing surgeries on newborns, including those born prematurely. These surgeries often address life-threatening congenital abnormalities that require immediate intervention to improve or save the infant's life. Neonatal surgeons are trained to handle the delicate physiology of newborns, where even small procedures can have significant impacts on growth and development.
Common Conditions Treated with Neonatal Surgery:
- Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH): A condition where abdominal organs move into the chest cavity, impacting lung development. Surgery moves the organs back and repairs the diaphragm.
- Esophageal Atresia: A condition where the esophagus does not connect properly to the stomach, preventing food from reaching the digestive system.
- Gastroschisis and Omphalocele: Conditions where abdominal organs protrude outside the body, requiring surgical correction to place them back into the abdomen and repair the opening.
- Intestinal Atresia: A blockage in the intestines that needs to be corrected to enable normal digestion.
- Spina Bifida: A neural tube defect where the spine and spinal cord do not form properly, requiring early surgery to reduce neurological impact.