Paediatric Surgery I Mediclinic Abu Dhabi

A lymphangioma is a benign tumour-like collection of abnormal lymphatic vessels. It typically appears as a soft, spongy mass and can occur anywhere in the body but is commonly found in the head, neck, or armpits.

This congenital condition involves a separation or gap in the upper lip (cleft lip) and/or the roof of the mouth (cleft palate) due to incomplete fusion during fetal development. It can cause difficulties with feeding, speech and dental health.

Esophageal atresia is a birth defect where the esophagus doesn't develop properly, resulting in a gap in the esophagus. A tracheoesophageal fistula is an abnormal connection between the esophagus and the trachea (windpipe), which can cause problems with feeding and breathing.

This condition involves the thickening of the muscle at the outlet of the stomach, leading to a narrowing (stenosis) that blocks the passage of food into the small intestine. It typically presents with projectile vomiting in newborns.

Intestinal atresia refers to a condition where there is a complete or partial blockage in the intestines due to the absence or abnormal narrowing of a portion of the intestinal tract, leading to impaired digestion and bowel obstruction.

NEC is a serious gastrointestinal condition, often affecting premature infants, characterised by inflammation and damage to the intestinal tissues. It can lead to necrosis (death) of the intestinal wall and is considered a medical emergency.

Meconium is a newborn's first stool, but in some cases, the meconium can form plugs that obstruct the intestines, causing bowel obstruction and leading to symptoms like abdominal distension and difficulty passing stool.

This congenital condition involves the absence of nerve cells in a portion of the colon, leading to impaired bowel movements and causing chronic constipation or intestinal blockage in infants and children.

Imperforate anus is a birth defect where the opening to the anus is blocked or absent, preventing the normal passage of stool. Surgical intervention is usually required to create an opening for waste elimination.

This condition occurs when one or both testes fail to move down into the scrotum during fetal development. If left untreated, it can lead to potential fertility issues and an increased risk of testicular cancer later in life.

This is a condition where abnormal lung tissue forms during fetal development. It can cause cysts or abnormal tissue growth in the lungs.

This condition involves abnormal air accumulation in a specific lobe of the lung, usually due to a problem with the development of the airways or the lung tissue.

This is a rare condition where a mass of lung tissue doesn’t connect to the normal airways or blood vessels, and it receives its blood supply from an abnormal source.

These are specific congenital abnormalities that affect the lungs and the mediastinum, the space in the chest between the lungs that contains the heart, blood vessels, thymus, and other structures.

Emphysema is a condition where the air sacs in the lungs (alveoli) become damaged, making it difficult to breathe. Congenital emphysemas are rare and occur due to malformations or abnormalities in the lung tissues present at birth, leading to air trapping and lung expansion.

filled sacs or abnormal growths that develop in the lung or mediastinum before birth. They can vary in size and number and might cause respiratory issues or complications depending on their location and size.

Omphalocele is a congenital abdominal wall defect where the intestines or other abdominal organs protrude through the umbilical cord area into the base of the umbilical cord. The organs are covered by a thin sac composed of peritoneum and amnion. It occurs early in fetal development and requires surgical intervention to place the organs back into the abdomen and close the opening.

Similar to omphalocele, gastroschisis is a birth defect of the abdominal wall. However, in gastroschisis, a hole forms in the abdominal wall near the umbilical cord, allowing the intestines and sometimes other organs to protrude outside the baby's body. Unlike omphalocele, there is no protective sac covering the exposed organs. Surgical repair is necessary shortly after birth to return the organs to the abdomen and close the opening.

A hernia occurs when an organ or fatty tissue squeezes through a weak spot or opening in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue that normally holds it in place. Hernias can occur in various parts of the body, commonly in the abdomen or groin area. They can be congenital (present at birth) or develop over time due to factors like strain, muscle weakness, or injury. Hernias often require surgical repair to prevent complications such as organ strangulation or blockage.

Each of these conditions involves a protrusion of abdominal organs, but the specific nature and treatment can vary significantly.

Pectus excavatum is a congenital chest wall deformity characterised by a sunken or depressed sternum and rib cage. Commonly referred to as "funnel chest," this condition occurs when the breastbone (sternum) grows abnormally, causing the chest to cave inward. It can range from mild to severe, and its appearance varies from person to person.

Neuroblastoma is a type of cancer that originates in immature nerve cells. It often starts in the adrenal glands but can also develop in nerve tissues along the spine, chest, abdomen, or pelvis. It typically affects infants and young children and can vary widely in terms of its behaviour, ranging from slow-growing tumours that may spontaneously regress to aggressive forms that spread to other parts of the body.

Also known as nephroblastoma, Wilms' tumor is a childhood kidney cancer that usually affects children around 3 to 4 years old. It originates in the kidneys and may affect one or both kidneys. Wilms' tumor is highly treatable, especially when diagnosed early, and the prognosis is generally favorable with appropriate treatment, which often involves surgery, chemotherapy, and sometimes radiation therapy.

This is a type of soft tissue cancer that arises from cells that normally develop into skeletal muscles. It can occur anywhere in the body but commonly affects the head, neck, bladder, or reproductive organs. Rhabdomyosarcoma is more frequently diagnosed in children and adolescents, and treatment usually involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

ATRT is a rare and aggressive tumour that primarily affects the central nervous system, particularly the brain and spinal cord. It often occurs in very young children, and its symptoms can vary based on its location. ATRT requires prompt and aggressive treatment, which may involve surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

Liver tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Malignant liver tumours can be primary (originating in the liver) or secondary/metastatic (spreading from cancer in other parts of the body). Hepatoblastoma and hepatocellular carcinoma are among the primary malignant liver tumours in children. Treatment may involve surgery, chemotherapy, and in some cases, liver transplantation.

Teratomas are a type of tumour that can contain different types of tissues, such as hair, teeth, bone and muscle, because they originate from embryonic cells that have the potential to form various body tissues. Teratomas can occur in different parts of the body and are usually benign, but in some cases, they can be cancerous (malignant). Treatment typically involves surgical removal.