Finding out that your child may need surgery can bring a lot of questions. Is an operation really necessary? How soon does it need to happen? What will recovery be like? At King’s College Hospital London in Dubai, our pediatric surgeons take the time to answer these questions while providing specialist surgical care for babies, children, and teenagers.
At King’s College Hospital Dubai, our pediatric surgeons treat children with appendicitis, hernias, cysts, and lumps beneath the skin. Some children need surgery urgently, while others can have their procedure planned in advance. Depending on the condition, our internationally trained surgeons may be able to use keyhole surgery, which involves smaller incisions and can help children recover sooner.
What Is General Pediatric Surgery?
General pediatric surgery focuses on conditions in children that may require an operation, particularly those affecting the abdomen, digestive system, and soft tissues. Some conditions are present at birth, while others develop during childhood.
Surgery in children requires a different approach. A procedure that is relatively straightforward in an adult may need special consideration in a baby or young child, whose body is still growing. Pediatric surgeons have specific training in operating on children of different ages, from newborns to teenagers, and understanding their needs throughout recovery.
At King’s College Hospital Dubai, our surgeons perform routine procedures, emergency operations, and more complicated surgeries that may require input from other pediatric specialists.
When Should Your Child See a General Pediatric Surgeon?
Your pediatrician may recommend a surgical consultation if your child has:
- A lump or swelling in the groin, abdomen, or around the belly button
- Abdominal pain that is persistent, severe, or getting worse
- Suspected appendicitis
- A cyst or soft tissue lump that is growing, painful, or causing discomfort
- A hernia that has not resolved or is causing symptoms
- A condition present at birth that may need surgical correction
Seeing a pediatric surgeon does not necessarily mean your child will need an operation. The consultation allows the surgeon to examine your child, review any investigations, and explain whether treatment is needed.
What Conditions Do General Pediatric Surgeons Treat?
Our general pediatric surgery team treats a range of conditions commonly seen in infants, children, and adolescents.
Appendicitis and Appendectomy in Children
Appendicitis happens when the appendix gets inflamed. It usually causes belly pain that starts near the belly button and then moves to the lower right side. Children might also have a fever, feel sick, vomit, or lose their appetite.
Appendicitis needs quick medical attention because an inflamed appendix can burst if not treated. If surgery is needed, our pediatric surgeons can remove the appendix with an appendectomy, often using keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery.
Learn more: Appendicitis and Appendectomy in Children
Hernia Repair in Children
A hernia occurs when tissue or part of an organ pushes through a weak area in the surrounding muscle or abdominal wall. In children, hernias are most commonly found in the groin or around the belly button.
Some childhood hernias need surgery, while others may close naturally as a child grows. Our pediatric surgeons assess the type of hernia, your child’s age, and any symptoms before recommending treatment.
Learn more: Hernia Repair in Children
Cysts, Lumps, and Soft Tissue Surgery in Children
Finding a lump on your child’s body can be worrying, although many childhood lumps are harmless. They may be caused by cysts, swollen lymph nodes, or other changes in the skin and soft tissues.
Our pediatric surgeons assess lumps and swellings to determine whether they need monitoring, further investigation, or removal. Surgery may be recommended if a lump is growing, causing pain, becoming infected, or needs to be examined more closely.
Learn more: Cysts, Lumps and Soft Tissue Surgery in Children
Inguinal Hernia in Children
An inguinal hernia appears as a swelling in the groin and may become more noticeable when a child cries, coughs, or strains. It occurs when tissue passes through an opening in the groin that has not closed properly.
Unlike some umbilical hernias, inguinal hernias do not usually close on their own and generally require surgical repair. Treatment is important because part of the intestine can occasionally become trapped in the hernia.
Learn more: Inguinal Hernia in Children
Umbilical Hernia in Children
An umbilical hernia causes a soft bulge around the belly button. It is common in babies and young children and is often most noticeable when they cry or strain.
Many umbilical hernias close naturally during early childhood. However, surgery may be recommended if the hernia remains open as the child gets older, becomes symptomatic, or develops complications.
Learn more: Umbilical Hernia in Children
What Types of General Pediatric Surgery Are Available?
At King’s College Hospital Dubai, our pediatric surgeons perform a range of operations for conditions affecting the abdomen and soft tissues.
Common procedures include:
- Appendectomy: Removal of the appendix when a child develops appendicitis.
- Inguinal hernia repair: Surgery to close an opening in the groin through which tissue can protrude.
- Umbilical hernia repair: Repairing a hernia around the belly button when it has not closed naturally or is causing problems.
- Cyst removal: Removing cysts that are painful, infected, growing, or require further examination.
- Soft tissue surgery: Procedures to remove or investigate lumps beneath the skin.
- Other abdominal procedures: Surgery for selected conditions affecting the abdominal wall or digestive system.
Your child’s surgeon will explain the recommended procedure, why it may be needed, and what to expect afterward.
Can General Pediatric Surgery Be Performed Using Keyhole Surgery?
Yes. Some general pediatric procedures can be performed using minimally invasive pediatric surgery, also known as laparoscopic or keyhole surgery.
Instead of one large cut, the surgeon works through a few small openings using a camera and special tools. This method is often used for some appendectomies and hernia repairs.
Depending on the procedure, keyhole surgery may mean smaller scars, less pain after the operation, and a shorter hospital stay. However, open surgery is sometimes the better option, particularly in emergencies or more complicated cases.
Our surgeons will discuss which approach is most suitable for your child.
Do You Accept General Pediatric Surgery Referrals and Second Opinions?
Yes. King’s College Hospital Dubai accepts referrals from pediatricians, family medicine doctors, emergency departments, and other healthcare professionals.
Children may be referred for suspected hernias, appendicitis, cysts, soft tissue lumps, or other conditions that need a surgical assessment.
Parents can also request a second opinion if their child has been advised to undergo surgery. Our surgeons can review previous medical reports and investigations, assess the condition, and explain the available options.
We welcome referrals from across Dubai, the UAE, and internationally.
Who Are the Best General Pediatric Surgeons in Dubai?
The best general pediatric surgeons in Dubai are Dr. Basem A Khalil, Dr. Muhammad Eyad Ba’Ath, and Dr. Ayman Al Jundi.
Dr. Basem trained in the UK and has spent much of his career treating children who need surgery, including newborn babies. Before joining King’s College Hospital Dubai, he was Head of Pediatric Surgery at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital in the UK and later Director of Neonatal Surgery at Sidra Medicine in Qatar.
Alongside general pediatric procedures, his specialist interests include neonatal surgery, pediatric colorectal conditions, short bowel syndrome, and intestinal reconstruction.
Dr. Muhammad Eyad Ba’Ath is a UK-trained pediatric surgeon experienced in general pediatric surgery, minimally invasive procedures, neonatal surgery, and pediatric urology.
His practice includes treating common childhood surgical conditions, congenital abnormalities, and conditions requiring laparoscopic surgery.
Dr. Ayman Al Jundi is a UK-trained pediatric surgeon with more than 40 years of experience. He completed specialist training in pediatric surgery and pediatric urology at Bristol Royal Hospital for Sick Children.
His expertise includes pediatric hernia repair, neonatal surgery, and congenital gastrointestinal and urinary tract conditions. He also spent 14 years teaching pediatric surgery at Dubai Medical College.
Why Choose King’s College Hospital Dubai for General Pediatric Surgery?
When your child needs an operation, having the right surgeon and medical support makes a difference. At King’s College Hospital Dubai, families have access to:
- Experienced pediatric surgeons: Internationally trained specialists who understand the surgical needs of babies, children, and teenagers.
- Planned and emergency surgery: Treatment for common childhood conditions, including appendicitis and hernias.
- Minimally invasive surgery: When possible, our surgeons use keyhole techniques that involve smaller incisions, helping children experience less pain and recover sooner.
- Specialist pediatric care: Our surgeons work closely with pediatric anesthesiologists and other specialists to make sure children receive the care they need throughout their treatment.
- NICU and PICU facilities: Additional care for newborns and children who require intensive monitoring.
- British healthcare standards: Surgical care supported by the clinical heritage of King’s College Hospital London.
We know that parents need more than an explanation of the operation itself. Our team will also talk you through how to prepare your child, what happens on the day of surgery, and how to care for them once they return home.
How Can I Book an Appointment?
To arrange a consultation with a general pediatric surgeon at King’s College Hospital Dubai, call +971 800 7777, complete our online appointment form, or book through the KingsHub App.
Faqs
الأسئلة الأكثر شيوعا
King’s College Hospital Dubai offers general pediatric surgery for children with appendicitis, hernias, cysts, and other conditions requiring surgical treatment. Families have access to internationally trained pediatric surgeons, minimally invasive procedures, and specialist pediatric facilities.
The best doctors for general pediatric surgery in Dubai are Dr. Basem A Khalil, Dr. Muhammad Eyad Ba’Ath, and Dr. Ayman Al Jundi. All are UK-trained general pediatric surgeons with decades of experience.
Not always. Inguinal hernias generally require surgery because they do not usually close on their own. Many umbilical hernias, however, close naturally during early childhood. A pediatric surgeon can assess the hernia and advise whether an operation is necessary.
Appendicitis usually causes belly pain that gets worse over time and may move to the lower right side. Other signs are fever, vomiting, and loss of appetite. If you think your child has appendicitis, get medical help right away instead of waiting for a regular appointment.
No. Many cysts and lumps in children are harmless and can just be watched. Surgery might be needed if a lump is getting bigger, hurts, keeps getting infected, or needs more tests.
Many children can return home the same day following minor procedures, including certain hernia repairs and cyst removals. Other operations may require an overnight stay or longer monitoring. Your surgeon will explain the expected recovery before treatment.
Yes. Parents can arrange a second opinion with a pediatric surgeon at King’s College Hospital Dubai. The surgeon will review your child’s condition, previous investigations, and treatment recommendations before discussing the available options.
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