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
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
The Center for Gender Surgery: Pioneering team looks to the future
In January 2018, physicians in Boston Children’s Center for Gender Surgery performed the first hospital’s phalloplasty, or surgical creation of a penis. The procedure was groundbreaking: It was the first such surgery performed for a transgender patient at a major U.S. pediatric hospital. And it was a key step in the 24-year-old patient’s lifelong journey ... Read More
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
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
Staff Spotlight: Transplant surgeon Dr. Alex Cuenca wears many hats
As one of three pediatric transplant surgeons in the liver, kidney, and intestine and multivisceral programs at Boston Children’s Hospital, Dr. Alex Cuenca brings a unique set of experience and skills to his job. We recently sat down and spoke with him about how all of his responsibilities and interests come together to support transplant ... Read More
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
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
‘I know you’re a boy’: Nick’s transition story
After returning home and slipping off my dress from my seventh grade semi-formal, I swore to myself I’d never go to a school dance again. Yet five years later, I came home from my senior prom smiling — and took off my tux and crown. That night, I was walking on air after being named ... Read More
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