Congenital intestinal obstruction occurs in approximately 1 in 2000 live births and is a common cause of admission to a neonatal surgical unit, accounting for up to one-third of all admissions. Morphologically, congenital defects related to continuity of the intestine…
The stomach forms from the foregut and is recognizable by the fifth week of gestation. It then elongates, descends, and dilates to form its familiar structure by the seventh week of gestation. The vascular supply to the stomach is very…
Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is a condition that is commonly encountered in infants but usually resolves by 2 years of age. GER is defined as the involuntary retrograde passage of gastric contents into the esophagus, with or without regurgitation or vomiting.…
Esophageal atresia (EA) and tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) anomalies present the pediatric surgeon with a unique and complex congenital disease, which tests both the diagnostic and technical skill of the surgeon. Most pediatric surgeons consider the surgical correction of these malformations…
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…