A Pediatric Surgeon is a general surgeon with specialized training in the diagnosis and care of premature and newborn infants, children and adolescents. This care includes Prenatal Surgery (detection and correction of abnormalities during the fetal stage); Neonatal Surgery (repair of birth defects in the newborn); trauma care (treatment of injuries in children); and Pediatric Surgical Oncology (treatment of children with cancer); as well as conditions that are treated in adults by general surgeons, such as appendicitis, hernias, acid reflux and bowel obstructions.
A General Surgeon has expertise in the diagnosis and care of patients with diseases and disorders affecting the abdomen, digestive tract, endocrine system, breast, skin and blood vessels. A General Surgeon is also trained in the care of pediatric and cancer patients and in the treatment of patients who are injured or critically ill. Common problems treated by general surgeons include hernias, breast tumors, gallstones, appendicitis, pancreatitis, bowel obstructions, colon inflammation and colon cancer. General Surgeons increasingly provide care through the use of minimally invasive and endoscopic techniques. Some General Surgeons pursue additional training for one to two years and specialize in the fields of Trauma Surgery, Transplant Surgery, Surgical Oncology, Pediatric Surgery, Vascular Surgery and others.
