Newborn Surgery

What is Newborn Surgery? Which Congenital Defects Can Be Corrected with Surgery?

This content has been prepared to inform families about childhood surgical diseases and congenital anomalies. The information contained in this article is compiled from current medical sources and clinical practices.

The birth of a baby is an exciting time for families, but it is also a period when unexpected health problems can sometimes be encountered. Today, thanks to advanced imaging methods used in pregnancy follow-up, many congenital anomalies can be noticed while the baby is still in the mother's womb. However, some diseases are understood through symptoms that appear after birth.

At this point, newborn surgery emerges as a special field of medicine dealing with diseases that may require surgical evaluation and treatment in the first days or weeks of life. This article has been prepared by Pediatric Surgery Specialist Assoc. Prof. İlknur Banlı Cesur to inform families about frequently asked questions.

What is Newborn Surgery?

Newborn surgery is a special sub-branch of pediatric surgery that deals with the diagnosis, follow-up, and treatment of diseases that may require surgical treatment in the first 28 days after birth.

Diseases encountered in this period are mostly caused by congenital anomalies that occur during the baby's development in the mother's womb. These diseases, which can affect many organs such as the digestive system, respiratory system, abdominal wall, biliary tract, and urinary system, may sometimes require intervention immediately after birth.

Today, pediatric surgeons, neonatologists, radiologists, anesthesia teams, and intensive care specialists work together to create a customized treatment plan for each baby.

Why Do Congenital Anomalies Occur?

Congenital anomalies are structural differences that occur during the baby's development in the mother's womb. Genetic factors, environmental influences, or changes in developmental processes may play a role in the occurrence of these conditions.

Most of the time, they are not related to anything the families did or did not do. Therefore, it is important for families not to feel guilty and to focus on the evaluation of the process by expert teams.

Which Symptoms May Suggest a Congenital Problem?

While some congenital anomalies are detected during pregnancy, others may give symptoms after birth.

The following findings are among the signs to be considered:

Although these symptoms do not always indicate a serious disease, they may require specialist evaluation in the newborn period.

Which Congenital Defects Can Be Corrected with Surgery?

Esophageal Atresia

Esophageal atresia is a congenital anomaly that occurs when the esophagus fails to complete its development. In this case, there is no connection between the upper and lower parts of the esophagus. Coughing, bruising, or foamy secretions from the mouth during feeding can be seen in babies. In suitable patients, surgical treatment aims to restore the continuity of the esophagus.

Anal Atresia

Anal atresia (imperforate anus) is the condition where the anal opening does not develop normally. The disease is usually noticed during the first examination after birth. In some babies, additional anomalies associated with the urinary system or spine may also be present. The treatment plan is determined according to the type of anomaly, and surgical methods can be applied when necessary.

Hirschsprung's Disease

In Hirschsprung's disease, nerve cells are absent in a part of the intestine. For this reason, intestinal movements cannot occur adequately, and it becomes difficult for the stool to progress. Delayed first stool in newborns is one of the important symptoms. After the diagnosis is confirmed, surgical treatment options are evaluated in suitable patients.

Diaphragmatic Hernia

Diaphragmatic hernia is an anomaly caused by abdominal organs passing into the chest cavity. This condition can affect lung development and cause breathing problems after birth. Today, many cases can be detected in detailed ultrasounds performed during pregnancy. The treatment plan is created by joint evaluation of newborn intensive care and pediatric surgery teams.

Intestinal Atresias

Intestinal atresias are conditions where a part of the small or large intestine is congenitally closed. In these babies, vomiting, abdominal swelling, and feeding difficulties can be seen shortly after birth. In some cases, intestinal dilations can be noticed on pregnancy ultrasound. The treatment approach is planned according to the location and extent of the disease.

Abdominal Wall Defects

Gastroschisis and omphalocele are among the common abdominal wall anomalies encountered in newborn surgery. In these diseases, the intestines or some abdominal organs may be located outside the abdominal cavity. Protecting the organs after birth and supporting the general condition of the baby are of great importance. The surgical treatment process is planned according to the characteristics of the patient.

Biliary Atresia

Biliary atresia is an important disease caused by developmental disorder of the bile ducts. It can usually present with prolonged jaundice, light-colored stools, and dark-colored urine. Early diagnosis and evaluation are important for treatment planning. Surgical options can be evaluated according to the characteristics of the disease.

Congenital Urinary System Anomalies

Kidney outlet obstructions, some urinary tract obstructions, and congenital diseases affecting the bladder are among the anomalies that can be evaluated in the newborn period. A significant portion of these diseases can be noticed on pregnancy ultrasounds. After birth, evaluation is made with detailed imaging methods. The treatment approach is determined according to the severity of the disease and kidney functions.

How is the Treatment Process Planned in Newborn Surgery?

Each baby's disease and general health condition are different. Therefore, it is not possible to speak of a standard treatment approach in newborn surgery.

When creating a treatment plan;

are evaluated together.

As Assoc. Prof. İlknur Banlı Cesur often encounters in her clinical practice, each congenital anomaly detected in the newborn period may show different characteristics. Therefore, the treatment plan is created individually for each patient.

When Should Families Consult a Pediatric Surgeon?

If a congenital anomaly is detected in ultrasounds performed during pregnancy, a pediatric surgery evaluation can be obtained. In addition, when feeding difficulties, bilious vomiting, abdominal swelling, prolonged jaundice, or defecation problems are seen after birth, a specialist opinion is important.

Especially for families coming from surrounding provinces such as Adana, Mersin, Hatay, Osmaniye, Kahramanmaraş, Gaziantep, and Niğde, planning prenatal diagnosed diseases before birth can contribute to a healthier management of the treatment process.

Conclusion

Newborn surgery plays an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of congenital anomalies encountered in the first days of life. Many diseases such as esophageal atresia, anal atrezi, Hirschsprung's disease, diaphragmatic hernia, intestinal atresias, biliary atresia, and abdominal wall defects can be treated with surgical methods after appropriate evaluation. Early diagnosis, correct planning, and a multidisciplinary approach are among the important parts of the treatment process in the newborn period.

This content has been reviewed for medical accuracy by Pediatric Surgery Specialist Assoc. Prof. İlknur Banlı Cesur.