Medical experts at Lucknow's King George's Medical University (KGMU) have issued a strong warning about the dangers of children undergoing surgeries performed by non-specialist doctors. The call for exclusive, specialist surgical care for young patients was made during a programme marking National Paediatric Surgery Day.
Why Children Need Specialised Surgical Care
The event, held under the theme 'Safe Surgery for Paediatric Patients', highlighted a critical gap in healthcare. Doctors explained that surgical conditions affecting newborns and children are fundamentally different from those seen in adults. Common paediatric conditions requiring expert intervention include:
- Imperforate anus (deformities in the anus)
- Abnormal tracheo-oesophageal connections (between the food pipe and windpipe)
- Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (intestines herniating into the chest)
- Undescended testicles
- Hypospadias
- Abdominal tumours
- Urinary stone diseases
Managing these complex cases without dedicated paediatric surgical training significantly increases the risk of complications and poor outcomes.
Irreversible Risks of Delayed Treatment
Professor JD Rawat, Head of the Paediatric Surgery Department at KGMU, emphasised the seriousness of the issue. "When paediatric cases are handled by non-specialists, complication rates rise," he stated. He urged parents to always seek consultations with qualified paediatric surgeons for any surgical needs of their children.
Prof. Rawat gave a specific warning regarding one common condition. Postponing treatment for undescended testicles can lead to irreversible consequences, including reduced fertility later in life. The overarching message was the vital importance of both early diagnosis and timely referral to the correct specialist.
Awareness Drive and On-Ground Action
As part of the day's activities, an awareness campaign was conducted at the New OPD building. Visitors were educated about various congenital anomalies and the crucial need for prompt medical attention. The department also provided clinical examinations for about 200 patients during the session.
To engage the community, the university organised outreach activities. Children visiting the department received gifts, and painting sessions were held for both young patients and nursing students. KGMU Vice Chancellor, Professor Soniya Nityananda, congratulated the department on its efforts. She called for intensified awareness drives, particularly targeting rural doctors and families, to promote safe surgical practices for children across the region.
The programme served as a stark reminder that children are not simply small adults. Their unique physiology demands specialised surgical expertise, a need that must be met to ensure safer healthcare outcomes for India's youngest citizens.
