By Liv Tyree
Birth defects can have a huge impact on a child’s physical and psychological well-being and if not corrected, the effects would last a lifetime. This is where pediatric surgery comes in.
A pediatric surgeon like Dr Jill Orford is someone who specializes in the treatment as well as ongoing care birth defects as well as medical conditions during childhood. Yet, there are some instances when errors are made during surgery, and the effects of these errors on the child would be as if surgery was never done at all. Worse is if it aggravates the situation more. This could gravely affect the child’s quality of life.
Let us face it, medical malpractice is alarmingly common in the United States. Even though we know that medical practitioners are humans, being human is no defence. Healthcare providers are well-trained, and they follow strict guidelines in carrying out their practice. After all, there is no room for error when human life is on the line.
Here in Chicago, medical malpractice attorneys from Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC work closely with the families of child victims of medical malpractice to ensure that they will get fair compensation from injuries caused by surgical errors. This assures the families that they can continue to provide financially for the needs of the child throughout his or her life.
What are the medical procedures performed by pediatric surgeons
Pediatric surgeons are highly skilled and well-trained for several medical procedures. They are also able to treat a wide range of medical conditions. We have listed below 15 pediatric surgeries that they usually perform.
Appendectomy – This surgery is performed when the child’s appendix is infected or is painful due to inflammation. It may need to be removed. If in cases of appendix ruptures, emergency appendectomies may be performed.
Biliary atresia – This is a surgical procedure that corrects congenital birth defects wherein the bile that is produced by the liver cannot be emptied. During this operation, the bile ducts are corrected so that the liver can be drained as needed.
Cancer treatments – Children’s cancers – which include the pancreas, kidney, liver, and abdomen – can be treated by pediatric surgeons. The surgeon may remove a tumour that may be cancerous before chemotherapy. Another procedure is to implant a portacath.
Congenital defects – Malformed kidneys, hearts, and lungs are among the most common congenital defects that require surgery. These defects, when not corrected, would have a negative impact on the child’s quality of life. A reconstruction may be needed by the surgeon on the problematic organ and prescribe medications as needed to help with the treatment of the condition.
Gastroschisis – This is a defect that the stomach and the intestines fall from the body through a hole in the body of the poor infant. Surgery will be performed by the pediatric surgeon on the infant immediately after birth so that both the organs can be put back in place and the opening sealed.
Bowed chest – This defect happens when a child’s breast bone and ribs are not proportionately growing and may need surgery. Though doctors would check to see if braces and other kinds of treatment would correct the problem. If not, that would be the time a surgical intervention will be made.
Gallbladder surgery – The child’s gallbladder may have a viral infection, or formation of stones, or another medical problem. Initially, treatments are applied first; but if the treatments do not work, then surgery to the gallbladder may be required.
Defects with the reproductive organs – Some infants are born with a congenital defect of the genitals. If this happens, pediatric surgeons would have to work on the problem with surgical intervention. Sometimes, tumours or cysts are present, and they would have to remove them surgically. Surgery is also done to correct the dysfunction of the organs.
Spleen removal – Splenectomy, or the removal of the spleen, may be needed if a child is suffering from disorders of the blood or if the child suffered trauma.
Bariatric surgery – Childhood obesity is a common problem in the United States. In this type of surgery, a balloon is inserted in the esophagus which would make it’s opening narrower, and its effect would be a decrease in appetite.
Removal of diseased intestines – Inflammation of the bowel followed by tissue death may result in tissue death. Surgery is the only way to treat this problem.
GERD treatment – This condition is also known as acid reflux. This happens when acid from the stomach flows back up the esophagus. To correct this, the opening of the stomach and esophagus would be tightened.
Abnormality of the pathways – Here, the trachea and esophagus are malformed, which could be life-threatening. Surgical intervention may be required.
Imperforate anus – This is when a child is born without an opening in the anus, which can be corrected through surgery.
Like we said, medical errors will have negative impacts on a child’s life. If this happens to you, call Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC right now to learn more about your legal options. It is your right!
