Paediatric Surgery (MD1072) 3 ECTS

Recognize and respect the particular emotional and ethical issues relating to the care of sick children. Understand that although the fundamental principles of children’s surgical care are the same as those governing older people, there are also important differences that need to be taken into account, especially when it comes to neonates and infants. These mainly concern physiology and anatomy issues. It is extremely important to understand that many pediatric surgical problems are more appropriately addressed where there are special pediatric facilities that provide expertise not only in surgery but also in anesthesia, intensive care, diagnostic imaging, laboratory support and nursing care. Be aware of the pathology and symptomatology of major and more frequent surgical conditions of neonates and older children. Be able to take history, family history, conduct clinical examination and perform targeted laboratory investigation of the cases. Be able to draw up a list of differential diagnosis and then propose further investigation in order to narrow the list of differential diagnosis. Also to suggest a way of dealing with the patient, knowing which treatment options are available, including non-surgical. Assess whether the patient can be treated in the context of primary care, or should be referred to a specialized center, urgently or in due time. Be able to respond to the patient’s immediate needs, with appropriate handling, administration of water, electrolytes, drugs, either in the context of preoperative optimization, or in case of urgency.