Why Surgery? Many kids get middle ear infections (known as otitis media, or OM), usually when they’re between 6 months and 2 years old. Some kids are particularly likely to get them because of environmental and lifestyle factors (like attendance at a group childcare, secondhand tobacco smoke exposure, and taking a …
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Stem Cell Transplants
Stem cells are cells in the body that have the potential to turn into anything, such as a skin cell, a liver cell, a brain cell, or a blood cell. Stem cells that turn into blood cells are called hematopoietic (heh-mat-uh-poy-EH-tik) stem cells. These cells are capable of developing into the …
Tear-Duct Obstruction and Surgery
Many babies are born with an underdeveloped tear-duct system, a problem that can lead to tear-duct blockage, excess tearing, and infection. Blocked tear ducts are common in infants; as many as one third may be born with this condition. Fortunately, more than 90% of all cases clear up by the time …
Tonsils and Tonsillectomies
Everybody’s heard of tonsils. But not everyone knows what tonsils do or why they may need to be removed. Knowing the facts can help alleviate the fears of both parents and kids facing a tonsillectomy. Tonsils and Tonsillitis Tonsils are clumps of tissue on both sides of the throat that …
What Is “Minimally Invasive” Surgery?
My daughter needs to undergo a surgical procedure, and the doctor has recommended “minimally invasive” surgery. What type of surgery is this? Will it be as safe — and effective — as standard surgery? – Julianne Minimally invasive surgery is becoming more and more common in hospitals. These procedures are …
What Is Informed Consent?
My son is having surgery in a few weeks. The nurses have given us pamphlets and educational materials to learn more about it, in preparation for something called “informed consent.” What does this mean? – Ned Informed consent is a legal term. It means that you are fully aware of …
When Your Child Needs a Heart Transplant
If your child needs a heart transplant, you’re probably feeling lots of emotions all at once — including anger, sadness, worry, and frustration. These feelings can become overwhelming, especially when your child is waiting for a new heart. Fortunately, many kids who undergo heart transplants go on to live normal, …
Anesthesia – What to Expect
When your child is having any kind of procedure or surgery that requires anesthesia, it’s understandable to be a little uneasy. You probably have plenty of questions about everything — from how the anesthesia is given, to what your child will experience, to where you’re allowed to be. What happens …
Anesthesia Basics
No doubt about it, getting an operation can be stressful for kids and adults alike. If your child is scheduled for surgery, you may have questions or concerns about anesthesia. The thought of your child being unconscious or temporarily losing sensation can be downright unnerving, whether your child is 7 …
Electronic Health Records
Not that long ago, doctors and nurses would write notes in a patient’s chart — often a sheaf of papers fastened to a clipboard — during an office visit. These notes then would be added to the patient’s ever-expanding medical file, which was physically stored on the premises. Until the …