This chapter provides a brief overview of the surgical anatomy, physiology, and pathologic conditions of the esophagus. Conditions of interest to the pediatric surgeon include congenital disorders, achalasia, foreign bodies, caustic injuries, perforation, and strictures. Surgical approaches for esophageal replacement…
The mediastinum is the body compartment limited by the thoracic inlet superiorly, the sternum anteriorly, the spine dorsally, the diaphragm inferiorly, and both pleural cavities laterally. Although there are no anatomic boundaries between compartments, for teaching purposes, the mediastinum is…
Though overall survival has increased steadily over the last 25 years, management of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) remains a formidable challenge. Despite advances in prenatal identification/classification, perioperative management, operative techniques/approaches, and neonatal critical care, CDH remains a congenital anomaly with…
Parapneumonic Effusions Empyema is one form of a parapneumonic effusion (PPE) and is defined as the accumulation of pus in a body cavity. The word empyema is derived from the Greek word empyein , which means to “put pus in.”…
Congenital bronchopulmonary malformations are a continuum of developmental anomalies of the bronchopulmonary unit for which classification, nomenclature, and management remain in evolution. Although their exact pathogenesis has not been fully elucidated, the frequently observed overlapping histologic features and recent advances…
Pediatric surgeons are often involved in the management of acute and chronic airway obstruction. Diseases that affect the larynx, trachea, and bronchus can be classified according to their etiology as congenital or acquired ( Table 21.1 ). Moreover, iatrogenic injury…
Congenital chest wall deformities fall into two groups: those with overgrowth of the cartilages causing either a depression or protuberance and those with varying degrees of either aplasia or dysplasia. Pectus excavatum (PE), also known as an “excavated, sunken, or…
This chapter will provide a broad overview of the more common pediatric neurosurgical conditions seen in a children’s hospital setting, with the exception of trauma. Emphasis will be placed on conditions in which the pediatric surgeon and neurosurgeon interface in…
Musculoskeletal trauma is the most common medical emergency in children. In children ages 1–14 years, injuries are the leading cause of death, more than from all other causes combined. However, not all orthopedic injuries sustained by children are life threatening.…
Epidemiology and Anatomy Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the most common cause of traumatic death in children. In the United States 475,000 children (0–14 years of age) sustain a TBI annually, with 435,000 emergency department visits, 37,000 hospitalizations, and over…