Information

Paediatric surgery is the field of medicine that involves diagnosis and surgical management of various conditions in newborns, infants, toddlers, children and adolescents.

Conditions we treat

There is often one main issue to be dealt with at the specialist appointment. A paediatric surgeon is a specialist for children who has extensive knowledge and experience with conditions that may require surgery.

Head and Neck
  • Lumps, skin lesions
  • Dermoid cysts
  • Thyroglossal cysts
  • Branchial cysts and sinuses
  • Pre-auricular skin tags
  • Pre-auricular sinuses
Chest
  • Lung conditions, pneumothorax, empyema, tumours.
  • Oesophageal conditions, atresia, reflux.
  • Diaphragmatic hernia
Abdomen
  • Our main specialty. We deal with almost every condition requiring surgery in the abdomen

 

  • Gastrointestinal
    • Abdominal pain
    • Appendicitis
    • Fundoplication
    • Stoma
    • Umbilical Hernia
    • Constipation surgery
    • Anorectal malformation
    • Hirschsprung disease
  • Groin
  • Hepatobiliary
    • Liver, gallbladder
    • Gallstones
  • Urology
    • Kidneys
    • Bladder
    • Hypospadias
    • Enuresis
    • Urinary tract infection
    • Urine reflux
  • Gynaecology
    • Prepubertal conditions of the ovaries
Various other conditions
  • Skin lesions
  • Burns
  • Ingrown toenails
  • Vascular anomalies
  • Haemangioma
  • Central venous access – chemotherapy
What we do not treat
  • Brain
  • Ear / Nose / Throat
  • Heart
  • Spine
  • Bones

How to prepare your child for the appointment

It can be unsettling for a child to attend a doctors appointment. They can be worried about a procedure, pain or simply an unfamiliar situation. They might consider it a punishment especially if they are threatened with an injection for misbehaving.

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Talk to your child

Tell them what the visit is about, and it will be safe to show the doctor what is going on.

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Ask about what happens

Ask questions before the appointment, such as what causes pain, when, what it feels like, and other associated symptoms such as nausea or loss of appetite.

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Assure them it is safe

It may be necessary for the doctor to examine the genital area. This will always be done in a safe environment in your presence. They need to know its okay.

The operation and aftercare

Most procedures only require a day visit to hospital. You’ll be given a range of instructions and information about preparation and aftercare.

Before the operation

The anaesthetist will call you prior to the procedure to discuss the anaesthetic and give fasting instructions.

Ensure you have pain relief ready at home such as paracetamol and / or ibuprofen.

The day of the procedure

Bring loose, comfortable clothing, preferably without metal, such as zips and clips.

A favourite toy. blanket or book is useful for distraction.

Various check in procedures will be done, including health questionnaires and insurance details.

Look after yourself too

There are areas for you to wait during the procedure. Make sure you have something to do.

Tea and coffee is usually provided in the waiting areas, and there are cafes nearby.

Aftercare

You’ll be given full instructions on how to care for your child after the procedure. 

They will likely be able to feed in recovery, and be given pain relief before going home. 

Sutures are usually dissolvable, and the dressings can be removed after a week. 

Showers and baths can usually be given the following day. 

School / daycare can resume after 5-7 days, and sports after 2-3 weeks. 

Experienced Surgeons

Over 25 years experience in paediatric surgery

Locations

Queensland and northern New South Wales

Appointments

Prioritised time for your child

Information

Conditions, procedures and aftercare