Archive for surgery
Five things parents should know about vascular rings
If your child has a high-pitched cough, breathes loudly, wheezes, has difficulty eating or swallowing, or always seems to be coming down with pneumonia or respiratory infections, the problem could be more complex than you realize. Although rare, abnormal formations of the blood vessels called vascular rings can compress the trachea, esophagus, or both. While ... Read More about Five things parents should know about vascular rings
Maya is moving ahead after thyroid cancer
For Maya Rao, 15, a playful accident last Thanksgiving led to the discovery of thyroid cancer. As she and her older sister, Deepti, fooled around, happy to be reunited for the holiday, Deepti’s long hair — gathered in a bun — softly hit Maya on her neck. It seemed innocuous enough, but then she developed ... Read More about Maya is moving ahead after thyroid cancer
Opioids for acute pain in kids: Four things to know
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 130 Americans die every day from an opioid overdose. Opioid use disorder can include addiction to heroin, as well as to fentanyl and other prescription opioid analgesics. In fact, research suggests that nearly 80 percent of heroin users report using prescription opioids first. It’s ... Read More about Opioids for acute pain in kids: Four things to know
Provider Spotlight: Meet Dr. Steve Fishman
How did you become interested in pediatric surgery? I became interested in pediatric surgery when I was first exposed to a dedicated and talented surgeon as a medical student in Chicago. I realized that children never deserved to suffer and that the opportunity to help them could have benefits that last a lifetime. I was ... Read More about Provider Spotlight: Meet Dr. Steve Fishman
Breast reduction surgery improves quality of life for teens
Bigger isn’t always better — especially when it comes to breast size for some young women. Teenagers with excessively large breasts may suffer from back and neck pain, bra strap grooving on their shoulders, and skin irritation under their breasts. They often also have trouble participating in physical activities and finding clothes that properly fit. Yet ... Read More about Breast reduction surgery improves quality of life for teens
What parents should know about anesthesia
The prospect of surgery can be distressing to parents and kids alike, but the idea of a child undergoing anesthesia can be often be even more concerning to families. Still, many babies and young children need anesthesia to be able to tolerate tests, surgeries, and other minor invasive procedures. We asked anesthesiologist Dr. Joseph Cravero, ... Read More about What parents should know about anesthesia
In surgery for people with sepsis, choice of anesthetic may matter
Sepsis, an extreme immune response to infection, has no specific treatment and is a leading cause of hospital deaths. As part of their care, patients often undergo imaging procedures and surgery to pinpoint and help eliminate the infection. New preclinical findings suggest that the choice of general anesthetic used for these procedures can influence sepsis ... Read More about In surgery for people with sepsis, choice of anesthetic may matter
Making up for lost time: Living with esophageal atresia
Whether he’s riding his dirt bike, learning how to swim, playing with his dogs and cats, or herding the chickens and goats on his family’s farm, Landen Spry loves staying active and being outside. “He’s making up for lost time,” says his mother, Jolene. She isn’t exaggerating. During his young life, he’s spent nearly a ... Read More about Making up for lost time: Living with esophageal atresia
Provider Spotlight: Meet Dr. David Mooney
David P. Mooney, MD, MPH, is director of the Trauma Center, an assistant in the Department of Surgery, and an associate professor of surgery at Harvard Medical School. He’s been at Boston Children’s Hospital for 20 years. How did you become interested in pediatric surgery? I realized early on that I have a “surgical personality.” ... Read More about Provider Spotlight: Meet Dr. David Mooney
Ready for the next step: Innovative care for Chase
Chase Essex loves pizza and has even prepared shrimp scampi for his family. So it might come as a surprise that, until recently, the 14-year-old hadn’t eaten by mouth for much of his life. “Now,” says his mother, Antoinette, “he eats everything in sight.” More than a decade ago, Chase was like any other curious ... Read More about Ready for the next step: Innovative care for Chase