Questions every parent should ask before scheduling a surgery with a pediatric surgeon in India

The moment you get to know that your child needs surgery, your entire world comes to a standstill. After all, pediatric and adult surgeries are polar opposites, with the former being more delicate and complex. That’s why you need to be more vigilant in selecting a pediatric surgeon in India. Although pediatric surgery has evolved a lot, asking a few fundamental questions will make a real difference in the outcomes.

Is the surgeon trained specially in pediatric surgery?

Not all surgeons are pediatric specialists. Hence, you should enquire if the doctor has an MCh or DNB in Pediatric Surgery and how many similar procedures they have performed annually to date. Several top-notch hospitals have dedicated pediatric surgical teams with professionals clinically proficient in the concerned field. Remember, experience matters the most because children aren’t “small adults”. Hence, their anatomy, anesthesia response, and recovery patterns will be entirely different.

Is the hospital equipped for pediatric anesthesia and ICU care?

In India, pediatric anesthesia is a super-specialty. So, you should confirm that a pediatric anesthesiologist, not a general professional, will be handling your little one’s case. Apart from this, you also need to enquire about:

  • A pediatric ICU (PICU)
  • Neonatal ICU (NICU) for babies under 28 days of age
  • Child-friendly recovery rooms

Is surgery the only option?

For cases like hernias, undescended testis, and appendicitis, there are clear surgical guidelines. However, you should still ask your doctor if the waiting and monitoring of your child’s current health is feasible or if it needs immediate surgical attention. Pediatric surgeons like Dr Shweta K Sharma will walk you through evidence-based recommendations rather than rushing into any decision.

What are the total costs — including the hidden ones?

Lastly, you should also question the overall expenses associated with the concerned pediatric surgical process. Usually, most hospitals offer package-based quotation, which covers:

  • Surgeon’s fees
  • Anesthesia charges
  • OT charges
  • PICU charges (if needed)
  • Post-op medicine and rehab care

Conclusion

Choosing a pediatric surgeon in India isn’t about just going through the reviews on Google or checking which hospital they are affiliated with. Rather, you have to move past this basic scrutiny and focus on clinical expertise, experience, expenses, and others. Only then can you find the perfect surgeon for your little one.

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