Surgery for Kids Requires Very Special People and Equipment
The proportions of their bodies are distinctive, as are the ways their cardiac, respiratory and other systems function. Children also suffer from diseases and problems that are not seen in adults. They are still growing and changing in ways that adults do not, and their social and psychological needs are different. Children often require special understanding because they can’t say what’s bothering them or answer medical questions. Pediatric specialists train for years to address the needs of children — from newborns to teens — and their families. The pediatric anesthesiologist is a physician who spends a year of fellowship working with newborns, premature infants and children, and is adept at administering medication safely. These specialists are skilled at minimizing pain and trauma for children who are undergoing procedures or surgery, or are experiencing pain due to a medical condition or injury. When a pediatric condition is rare, as in the case of Mya Lisa Kuwahara (see story at left), the best possible outcome is most likely with the participation of a pediatric surgeon who spends two years or more in a pediatric surgical fellowship. These highly skilled specialists are trained to treat unique childhood conditions. Kapi`olani operates the only Level III neonatal intensive care unit in Hawaii, with neonatologists on site around the clock. Also available for emergency cases at all times are pediatric anesthesiologists, pediatric surgeons, pediatric staff and the specialized equipment needed for infants and children. |
Any medical operation requires special
training. But there is a world of difference
— some of it not readily apparent
— when the surgical patient is a child.
Kids are not simply “miniature adults”
when it comes to the most appropriate
surgical care.
