We offer surgery to patients of all ages. There are times when this includes young children.
The most common surgeries on children include hernias. Groin hernias are the most common. The surgery is well tolerated and your child usually acts normal later that day.
Umbilical hernias in children will most commonly resolve by the age of 4. We only repair these hernias under age 4 if they are getting bigger, or are very symptomatic. If they do not resolve by age 4, then they should be repaired.
Infants also can get swelling of the outlet of the stomach. This condition is called Pyloric Stenosis. The muscle at the emptying point of the stomach swells, and doesn't let the stomach empty. This is seen at about 4 to 6 weeks of age. After the muscle is stretched, you child can then eat without vomiting and is usually home in 1 or 2 days.