About Pediatric GI Surgery
Key Highlights
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Performed by surgeons specifically trained in the unique anatomy and physiology of children.Often utilizes minimally invasive (laparoscopic/thoracoscopic) techniques for less pain, smaller scars, and faster recovery.Focuses on correcting issues to support normal growth, development, and long-term quality of life.Involves a multidisciplinary team including pediatric anesthesiologists, gastroenterologists, and nurses.Employs a family-centered care approach to support both the child and parents throughout the process.
Who is this surgery for?
- Congenital malformations: Esophageal atresia, intestinal atresia, Hirschsprung's disease, anorectal malformations, malrotation with volvulus.
- Inflammatory conditions: Severe or complicated appendicitis, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's, ulcerative colitis) requiring surgery.
- Neonatal emergencies: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), meconium ileus, pyloric stenosis.
- Hepatobiliary disorders: Biliary atresia, choledochal cysts, gallstones.
- Traumatic injuries to abdominal organs.
- Feeding access: Placement of gastrostomy (G-tube) or jejunostomy (J-tube) tubes.
- Abdominal tumors affecting the GI tract (e.g., neuroblastoma, liver tumors).
How to prepare
- Comprehensive pre-operative evaluation including medical history, physical exam, and necessary blood tests.
- Imaging studies (ultrasound, X-ray, CT, or MRI) to precisely define the anatomy of the problem.
- Consultation with pediatric anesthesiology to plan safe anesthesia tailored to the child's age and condition.
- Pre-operative fasting (NPO - nothing by mouth) for a specified period to ensure an empty stomach.
- Discussion with the surgical team about the procedure, risks, benefits, and expected outcomes (informed consent).
- For elective surgeries, optimizing the child's nutritional status and managing any active infections.
Risks & possible complications
- General surgical risks: Reactions to anesthesia, bleeding, infection at the incision site, or blood clots.
- Procedure-specific risks: Injury to nearby organs, leakage from surgical connections (anastomotic leak), or formation of scar tissue (adhesions).
- Post-operative complications: Pneumonia, ileus (temporary paralysis of the intestines), or wound healing problems.
- Long-term considerations: Potential for future surgeries, issues with growth, or digestive function depending on the underlying condition.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial recovery in a pediatric recovery room or Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) for close monitoring.
- Pain management tailored for children using appropriate medications and techniques.
- Gradual reintroduction of fluids and diet as bowel function returns, starting with clear liquids.
- Early mobilization (getting out of bed) as tolerated to promote healing and prevent complications.
- Incision care instructions and guidance on bathing and activity restrictions.
- Follow-up appointments with the pediatric surgeon to monitor healing and long-term outcomes.
- Ongoing support from pediatricians, dietitians, or other specialists as needed for the specific condition.
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Typical hospital stay: 3-10 days
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Expected recovery time: 2-6 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering pediatric gi surgery in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with pediatric surgery departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform pediatric gi surgery. MediFyr helps you compare pediatric surgeons and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for pediatric gi surgery compare across other countries where we have data.
Olivia Joshi is a bright 8-year-old...
Olivia Joshi is a bright 8-year-old who loves art and soccer. For over a year, she suffered from severe, cramping abdominal pain after meals, chronic constipation that didn't respond to medication, and embarrassing soiling accidents at school, which made her withdraw from friends. After numerous tests, a pediatric gastroenterologist diagnosed her with Hirschsprung's Disease, a condition where nerve cells are missing from the end of her colon. The pediatric surgeon recommended a pull-through procedure to remove the diseased section of bowel and connect the healthy part to her anus. Olivia was very scared of the hospital and the idea of surgery. The child life specialist used dolls and drawings to explain the procedure. The surgery, performed laparoscopically, went smoothly. After a week in the hospital managing pain and starting feeds, Olivia went home. Recovery involved a temporary special diet and careful hygiene. Within two months, her pain was gone, and she achieved regular, controlled bowel movements for the first time. The soiling stopped, restoring her confidence. The emotional journey was profound: from fear, shame, and social isolation to relief, pride, and a joyful return to her active, social self. Her parents moved from constant worry to immense relief.
Pediatric surgeons for Pediatric GI Surgery
Explore experienced pediatric surgeons who regularly perform pediatric gi surgery and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 18 Years Experience
- Pediatric surgeon
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 22 Years Experience
- Pediatric surgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 10 Years Experience
- Pediatric surgeon
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Pediatric surgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- Pediatric surgeon
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 24 Years Experience
- Pediatric surgeon
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada
- 22 Years Experience
- Pediatric surgeon
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Pediatric surgeon
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 22 Years Experience
- Pediatric surgeon
Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune
- 14 Years Experience
- Pediatric surgeon
Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune
- 13 Years Experience
- Pediatric surgeon
Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore
- 26 Years Experience
- Pediatric surgeon
SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai
- 11 Years Experience
- Pediatric surgeon
Manipal Hospital Siliguri, Siliguri
- 27 Years Experience
- Pediatric surgeon
Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore
- 27 Years Experience
- Pediatric surgeon
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 22 Years Experience
- Pediatric surgeon
Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 44 Years Experience
- Pediatric surgeon
Manipal Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 39 Years Experience
- Pediatric surgeon
Manipal Hospital Jaipur, Jaipur
- 23 Years Experience
- Pediatric surgeon
Manipal Hospital Jaipur, Jaipur
- 28 Years Experience
- Pediatric surgeon
Manipal Hospital Dwarka, Delhi