At what age can a child have surgery?

There is no fixed minimum age. Some procedures, such as neonatal surgery, are performed in the first hours or days of life. The decision depends on the specific condition, the child's overall health, and the urgency of the case. During the consultation, we evaluate each situation individually.

How do I know if my child needs surgery?

Most pediatric surgical conditions present visible signs such as lumps (hernias), difficulty feeding (tongue-tie), or symptoms like persistent abdominal pain. If you notice something unusual, the best step is to schedule an evaluation. Not all consultations lead to surgery — many conditions can be managed with follow-up care.

What type of anesthesia is used for children?

Most pediatric surgeries use general anesthesia, administered by a specialized pediatric anesthesiologist. Current protocols are very safe and specifically designed for children. Before surgery, the anesthesia team evaluates the child and explains the entire process to the parents.

How long is the recovery after surgery?

It depends on the type of procedure. Outpatient surgeries like inguinal hernia or tongue-tie allow the child to go home the same day, with full recovery in 1 to 2 weeks. More complex procedures may require hospitalization and a longer recovery period. In each case, I provide detailed postoperative care instructions.

Can I be with my child before and after surgery?

Yes. Parents can accompany their child during preoperative preparation and are present during recovery. We understand that parental presence is essential for the child's comfort. We keep you informed at all times during the procedure.

What should I do if my child has a surgical emergency?

If your child has symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding, or a lump that cannot be reduced, go to the nearest pediatric emergency room. You can also contact me via WhatsApp for immediate guidance. In emergencies like appendicitis or testicular torsion, time is critical.

Phimosis in children: is surgery necessary?

Phimosis is the inability to fully retract the foreskin to expose the glans. It is a very common condition in boys and raises many questions for parents.

Is phimosis normal?

Yes, in the first years. At birth, the foreskin is naturally attached to the glans and does not retract. This is physiological phimosis and is completely normal. Over time, the foreskin gradually separates:

At one year: only 50% of boys have retractable foreskin
At three years: approximately 90%
At five years: virtually all

When does it become a problem?

Phimosis requires medical attention when:

Recurrent infections (balanitis): redness, swelling, and discharge from the foreskin
Difficulty urinating: the foreskin balloons out when urinating
Paraphimosis: the foreskin retracts but cannot return to its position (medical emergency)
Scarring phimosis: the edge of the foreskin has a white, rigid ring

Treatment without surgery

In many cases, phimosis is first treated with corticosteroid creams applied to the foreskin for 4-6 weeks, accompanied by gentle retraction exercises. This treatment is effective in 70-80% of cases.

When is surgery needed?

Circumcision or prepucioplasty is recommended when:

Cream treatment has not been effective
There are repeated infections despite treatment
There is scarring phimosis
There are episodes of paraphimosis

What is the surgery like?

Circumcision is outpatient and lasts about 30 minutes. Full recovery takes approximately 2-3 weeks. It is a safe and effective procedure with excellent results.

What parents should avoid

Never force foreskin retraction. This can cause pain, bleeding, and scarring that worsens phimosis. Retraction should occur naturally or with specialist guidance.

If you have any questions about your child's phimosis, consult a pediatric surgeon for proper evaluation.