NEONATAL SURGERY

There are several conditions that are occasionally picked up on antenatal scans that may mean the newborn baby will need surgery. Often this news can come as a great shock, and it is quite possible you will have never heard of these conditions before.

Your obstetrician will be able to provide an initial guide for you regarding many of these conditions. As a paediatric surgeon I can give you a detailed description of the problems after your baby is born, what management steps are likely to be required and first-hand knowledge of any surgical procedures involved. I will be able to provide you with advice regarding expected outcomes.

This counselling will help you understand and prepare for the remainder of your pregnancy, advise you on your birth plan and how things will progress once your baby has been born.

Most neonatal surgery will require advanced level  neonatal care that would require our paediatric surgery team to look after your baby at the Gold Coast University Hospital. This will be covered in discussions regarding your birth plan.

There are some conditions babies are born with that are not picked up on antenatal scans. If there are any concerns once your baby has been born, I can be contacted to review your baby in the hospital and discuss with you and your baby’s  healthcare team what is required and where your baby would be best cared for.