We, as pediatric surgeons, are expert in the surgical care of newborns. Management of neonatal surgical problems actually defines, in large part, the specialty of "pediatric surgery". It is what separates us from adult general surgeons who may operate on children but who do not have the expertise in treating newborn surgical problems. Not only is the actual surgical procedure important, but the pre-operative preparation and post-operative management is critical for a successful outcome. We work closely with our neonatology colleagues to optimize the management and outcome in our patients.
Neonatal surgical conditions which are best managed by pediatric surgeons include (in alphabetical order):

1. Abdominal wall defects including gastroschisis, omphalocele,                   and Pentalogy of Cantrell
2. Biliary atresia and choledochal cyst
3. Cloacal exstrophy
4. Conjoined twins
5. Cystic adenomatoid malformation of the lung and other types of bronchogenic cysts
6. Cystic hygroma and other neck masses
7. Diaphragmatic hernia
8. Duplication cysts and mesenteric cysts
9. Esophageal atresia with or without TE fistula (TEF)
10. Gastroesophageal reflux and hiatal hernia
11. Hirschsprung's disease (megacolon)
12. Hydrometrocolpos and imperforate hymen
13. Imperforate anus including persistent cloaca
14. Inguinal hernias
15. Intestinal obstruction including duodenal atresia, annular pancreas, malrotation, midgut volvulus, intestinal atresia, meconium ileus and  meconium peritonitis
16. Necrotizing enterocolitis
17. Ovarian cysts
18. Pyloric stenosis
19. Ribcage and sternal deformities
20. Teratoma (sacrococcygeal) and other tumors of the newborn
21. Umbilical anomalies including hernia, patent urachus, patent         omphalo-mesenteric duct
22. Undescended testes

Many of these neonatal surgical problems are very rare, occurring in 1 in 5,000 to 1 in 25,000 live births. Pediatric surgeons have specialized training in treating these conditions, thus affording your baby the best possible outcome.

Col Man Mohan Harjai

Neonatal & Paediatric Surgeon