Pediatric Surgical Speciality
30 Years of Clinical Practice
Dr. Ramesh Santhanakrishnan, a senior Pediatric Surgeon with nearly 30 years of clinical practice in Bangalore.
☑️ Specialized Pediatric Care: Focuses on advanced pediatric surgery and medical services.
☑️ Experienced Team: Led by Dr. Ramesh Santhanakrishnan with over 30 years of experience.
☑️ Comprehensive Services: Includes Pediatric Surgery, Urology, Neurology, ENT, Gastroenterology, and more.
☑️ Compassionate Care: Committed to providing ethical, child-friendly treatment.
☑️ Modern Facilities: Equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment for pediatric needs.
A Sneek Peak into our Clinic
Why Choose Our Pediatric Speciality Services
☑️ Three decade long legacy
☑️ Best-in-class tools and technology to deliver advanced pediatric surgical services
☑️ Brought thousands of children out of Pediatric conditions enabling them to live a happy and healthy life
☑️ Being empathetic and humane are integral to our approach
☑️ We relentlessly pursue our passion for excellence
Services Offered: Pediatric Surgical Super Specialities
☑️ General Pediatric Surgery
☑️ Advanced Minimal Access Surgery
☑️ Pediatric Urology
☑️ Pediatric ENT Surgery
☑️ Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery
☑️ Pediatric Onco-Surgery
☑️ Hepato-Biliary and Colorectal Surgery
☑️ Pediatric Thoracic Surgery
☑️ Pediatric Neurosurgery
☑️ Pediatric Plastic Surgery
☑️ Pediatric Dentistry
☑️ Antenatal Counselling
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A pediatrician is a medical doctor who specializes in the care of children. Pediatricians have undergone special training in the health and illnesses of infants, teens and young adults.
In the five year course leading to the basic medical degree, paediatrics is only a small part. To specialise in children’s disorders (that has a course different from an adult) it takes an
additional three years. Pediatricians specialize in the physical, emotional, and social health of
children from birth to young adulthood. Children deserve to be examined by someone who has
studied their health and disease separately and gained expertise in them.
Some of the ley criteria in choosing the right pediatrician for your child are: Qualification and
Experience of the Doctor; Ethos and Values of the Doctor; Tools, Technology and Equipments
used; Proximity and Availability; Social Proof/Testimonials from Patients and Parents.
Your child should not only see the pediatrician for an illness. It is also important to schedule
well-child-care exams regularly, beginning in infancy. Also called well-care visits or checkups,
these routine examinations provide the best opportunity for the doctor to observe the progress
of your child's physical and mental growth and development; to counsel and teach parents; to
detect problems through screening tests; to provide immunizations, and to get to know one
another.We recommend the following schedule for routine well-care visits:
3 to 5 days; 1 month; 2 months; 4 months; 6 months; 9 months; 12 months; 15 months; 18
months; 2 years; 2 1/2 years; 3 years; 4 years; 5 years; And every year thereafter for an annual
health supervision visit that includes a physical exam as well as a developmental, behavioral,
and learning assessment.
Our Clinic is open 5 PM – 7 PM Monday – Friday.
You can schedule an appointment by calling our office/scheduling an appointment or sending
us a consultation request on our website.
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Pediatric Thoracic Surgery
It is a specialized field that has adopted some of the innovations of adult thoracic surgery and, since then, has continued to evolve, understanding the peculiarities of the chest in neonates, infants, and young adults. This encompasses conditions or abnormalities in the lungs, esophagus, diaphragm, chest wall, and mediastinum. In contrast to adult surgery, pediatric thoracic interventions are characterized by anatomic and functional differences in children.
Babies with congenital thoracic conditions, including tracheoesophageal fistula, diaphragmatic hernia, and chest wall deformities, often need life-saving surgery early in life to breathe, eat, and grow. On top of congenital problems, pediatric thoracic surgeons treat acquired diseases such as lung infections, pneumothorax, or chest tumors.
Due to the intricacy and delicacy of these conditions, it is essential to have them treated by a pediatric thoracic surgeon who has been trained to operate on small and growing anatomy with precision and care. These surgeons work closely with Pediatric Pulmonologists, Pediatric Cardiologists, and Pediatric Anesthesiologists to provide an integrated, child-focused, multidisciplinary approach.
From saving the lives of those with deadly congenital disabilities to treating complicated infections, pediatric chest surgery is a critical tool to improve quality of life and long-term health in young patients.
Who is a Pediatric Thoracic Surgeon?
A pediatric thoracic surgeon is a subspecialist with expertise in diagnosing and providing surgical care for conditions affecting the chest cavity, including the lungs, airways, esophagus, diaphragm, and chest wall, in children, infants, and adolescents. These are not general thoracic surgeons, who primarily treat adult patients and are often ill-prepared to deal with the distinctive anatomical and developmental requirements of children.
Unlike adult thoracic surgeons, pediatric thoracic surgeons receive additional training in pediatric surgery and often conclude their training with a fellowship in pediatric cardiothoracic surgery, which equips them to manage complex congenital and acquired chest conditions. Their fellowship training encompasses expertise in minimally invasive, open surgical, and support of a multidisciplinary team approach with other pediatric subspecialists, providing comprehensive care.
In many instances, pediatric thoracic surgeons practice in a field that encompasses both pediatric thoracic and pediatric cardiothoracic surgery, particularly when the disorders involve the heart, lungs, or vessels. These specialists collaborate with pediatric cardiologists, pulmonologists, and anesthesiologists to provide safe and successful surgical care.
Board Certifications and Fellowship Training
Most paediatric thoracic surgeons will do:
MBBS + MS (General Surgery)
MCh/DNB (Pediatric Surgery /Cardiothoracic Surgery)
Specialized fellowship training in pediatric cardiothoracic surgery (optional but desired)
Why Choose a Pediatric Specialist Over a General Thoracic Surgeon?
Kids are not little adults. Their tissues are more fragile, and their conditions frequently demand meticulous surgery, customized anesthesia, and child-centered post-op care. Pediatric thoracic surgeons are well-versed in the potential complications unique to children and can treat them accordingly.
Need for Pediatric Thoracic Surgeons in India
With the increased awareness and early detection of congenital diseases, the need for pediatric thoracic surgeons is on the rise, particularly in Indian cities such as Bangalore. Additionally, the demand for surgeons with these specialized skills is increasing among pediatric hospitals and multispecialty institutions.
Conditions Treated by Pediatric Thoracic Surgeons
A thoracic surgeon for children can address a variety of congenital or acquired thoracic conditions. These conditions involve vital organs and structures in the chest, such as the lungs, esophagus, diaphragm, and chest wall. Early diagnosis and prompt surgical therapy can lead to normal growth and minimize long-term complications.
To provide parents with a clearer understanding of the types of ailments these specialists manage, we have categorized the conditions into congenital (those present at birth) and acquired (those that develop after birth) thoracic problems.
Congenital Conditions
Congenital Heart Defects (CHDs)
Although some of the CHDs are for pediatric cardiac surgeons, thoracic surgeons should occasionally perform supportive or associated operations on the chest. Common defects include:
Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)
VSD—Ventricular Septal Defect
Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF)
CDH (congenital diaphragmatic hernia)
This occurs when the diaphragm fails to develop correctly in the womb, allowing abdominal organs to slide into the chest and hinder lung growth. Surgery is the only chance for survival and breathing.
Chest Wall Anomalies
If it’s pectus excavatum (sunken chest)
Pectus Carinatum (protruding chest). These abnormalities can interfere with heart and lung function and must be repaired either by minimally invasive or open surgery.
Congenital Lung Lesions
Congenital Pulmonary Airway Malformation (CPAM). CPAM is also known as a congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation.
CONGENITAL LOBAR EMPHYSEMA (CLE)
Bronchogenic Cysts may result in breathing difficulties and infections, and they frequently must be removed surgically.
Acquired Thoracic Ailments
Lung Infections
Empyema – which is pus in the chest cavity.
Recurrent pneumonia. When medications do not work, surgery may be necessary to drain fluid or remove damaged tissue.
Pneumothorax
This is a lung that has collapsed due to a gas leak in the chest. Pediatric thoracic surgeons may insert chest tubes or perform surgery to close the lung tears so they don’t recur.
Mediastinal Masses
Masses that occur in the mediastinum (the area between the lungs) can be cysts, tumors, or lymphatic malformations. They can sometimes be surgically removed, but they are often located very close to critical structures.
Tuberculosis Complications
In some children, TB can lead to abscesses, scarring, or fluid in the lungs, which may require thoracic surgery.
Chest Tumors
Neuroblastoma
Some neoplasms in children originate in or extend to the thorax and may require surgical biopsy or resection as part of team care.
Pediatric thoracic surgeons play a crucial role in the accurate diagnosis and treatment of these disorders, as well as in preventing young patients from requiring additional procedures as they continue to grow.
Pediatric Thoracic Surgery Procedures
Pediatric thoracic surgery encompasses a broad spectrum of complex surgical procedures for congenital as well as acquired thoracic abnormalities in children. These procedures are individualized to the child’s age, size, and specific diagnosis, with the aim of safely and accurately treating the condition while minimizing disturbance to growth and development.
Procedures vary depending on the nature and location of the disease and can range from minimally invasive approaches to open surgery or a hybrid of the two.
VATS: Video Assisted Thoracic Surgery
The first enucleation was performed using video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). VATS is a modern, minimally invasive surgical technique where small incisions are made on the chest, and a tiny camera (thoracoscope) and special instruments are passed through. It has become standard practice for diagnosing and treating thoracic diseases.
Advantages Of Minimally Invasive Surgery In Paediatric Patients
Reduced post-operative pain
Less scarring and improved cosmetic results
Shorter hospital stay
Return to activities more quickly
Common VATS Procedures in Children:
Diagnosis of chronic lung disease through lung biopsy
Lobectomy (removal of part of a lung) to treat congenital lesions or infections of the lung
Drainage of empyema (pus from the chest cavity)
This method is particularly beneficial to small children, providing much less trauma and far quicker recovery.
Open Thoracic Surgery
Some larger or more complicated abnormalities may require an open thoracic approach. This requires an even larger incision in the chest wall (termed a thoracotomy) so that vital organs can be accessed directly.
When is Open Surgery Needed?
Complex heart or lung repairs
This approach could be considered for large or invasive chest wall tumors.
Extreme pectus abnormalities and a chest wall near total collapse
While more invasive, open surgery is necessary in situations where precision and visibility are required.
Hybrid Techniques and Advanced Interventions
Technology has allowed us to provide even better outcomes for pediatric thoracic surgery:
Robotic-Assisted Surgeries
Robotic technology enables improvements in precision in confined spaces and provides greater control during the performance of intricate pediatric procedures, such as those involving the lungs and esophagus.
3D Modelling and advanced imaging
Pre-procedure planning with 3D CT scans or MRI reconstructions enables the surgeon to visualize complex structures in a child, resulting in better and safer procedures.
These technological advances, specifically developed for children, underpin surgical principles that guarantee the highest level of care and precision in pediatric lung surgery and other chest procedures.
What to Expect: Pre and Post-Surgery Care
It’s only natural to feel a little anxious when your child is about to undergo pediatric thoracic surgery. Knowing what to expect ahead of the surgery and post-surgery can reduce anxiety and encourage parents to support their child through recovery.
Pre-Operative Planning
Before surgery, you will undergo the following:
X-rays of the chest, CT scans, or MRI – to obtain more precise images
Complete blood count and pulmonary function tests
Consultations with pediatric pulmonology or cardiology were multidisciplinary
Equally important is family counseling, during which the surgeon details the condition, surgical plan, risks, and prognosis. Parents are encouraged to question and discuss to establish trust and clarity.
Anesthesia in Surgery in Children
The heart and its blood supplies, naturally sensitive to changes in blood flow and quality, fail more often under anesthesia, and with far less tolerance in children, which is why pediatric anesthesiologists are needed in the operating room. They provide safe sedation for the child and monitor vital signs during the procedure, prescribing dosages and drugs unique to children that limit side effects.
Post-Surgery Recovery & Care
The recovery depends on the type of surgery and the child’s general condition:
Hospitalization: Several days to 1 week is common
Treat pain: customized medicines, safe analgesics in children, local blocks
Physiotherapy: Breathing exercises can be used to strengthen the lungs and reduce the risk of developing certain complications.
Follow-Up & Prognosis
Post-operative care includes:
Regular follow-up visits
Monitoring for infection, fluid buildup, or breathing problems
Radiographic and clinical assessment of the healing process
Given timely intervention and appropriate care, the outcome of pediatric thoracic surgery is usually excellent, and most children lead relatively regular and active lives.
Collaborative Pediatric Specialties Involved
Paediatric thoracic surgery is not used much in isolation. The ability to manage children successfully depends on multidisciplinary pediatric care, in which experts from various diverse areas collaborate to devise a multimodal treatment tailored to the individual needs of a child.
The following are the primary sub-specialties that collaborate with pediatric thoracic surgeons:
Pediatric Pulmonologist
Evaluates and treats lung problems both before and after surgery so that you can have the best lung function and pulmonary health possible.
Pediatric Cardiologist
Necessary in the case of surgeries for congenital heart disease or chest diseases, which affect heart function. They are supportive of diagnosis, imaging, and post-surgery cardiac monitoring.
Pediatric Intensivist
Is responsible for critical care in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Bagging: provide oxygen, monitor vitals, and facilitate a smooth post-op recovery.
Pediatric Anesthesiologist
Specialist in the use of anesthesia for neonates and children. They allow us to perform painless surgery (giving the children patients less anesthesia), reducing the risk of sedation procedures.
Pediatric Oncologist
Chest tumors, such as neuroblastoma or teratoma, are diagnosed and staged by oncologists who provide input into the diagnosis, staging, and treatment of cancer, with the surgical plan.
Together, these pediatric surgeons provide the most seamless and safe surgical experience that each child deserves.
Why Choose a Pediatric Thoracic Surgeon in Bangalore?
The right specialist and the proper city can make a difference if you have a child in need of chest surgery. India’s best child thoracic surgery hospital, Bangalore, is today a sought-after destination in India, offering a unique blend of medical miracles with cutting-edge technology, coupled with a caring approach that brings smiles to the faces of thousands of families.
Advanced Surgical Technology
The other hospitals in Bangalore have the top-rated infrastructure available, such as
VATS (Video Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery)
Robotic-assisted surgery
These breakthroughs lead to more accurate, less invasive pediatric surgery and a faster recovery. 3D imaging and modeling
Centers of Excellence for Pediatric Care
The city also houses some of India’s highest-rated children’s hospitals and super-specialty hospitals. Whereas in these centers, they mainly treat only children, with specialized departments for pediatric thoracic surgery, pulmonology, cardiology, and oncology.
Multispecialty Pediatric ICUs
Children need very close observation after surgery. PICUs in Bangalore are run by trained Pediatric intensivists with nursing staff on duty 24/7 and sophisticated monitoring and infant/child-specific protocols.
Family-Centered and Safe Care
Bangalore Hospitals adhere to international safety norms, and family-centered care is a priority. Parents participate in the decision-making process and have access to open communication, counseling, and educational materials throughout the treatment trajectory.
Whether you are looking for a pediatric thoracic surgeon in Bangalore or the best pediatric lung specialist near you, Bangalore has some of the world’s best child lung specialists who bring together a rich experience with innovative treatment and compassionate care.
Top Hospitals & Pediatric Thoracic Surgeons in Bangalore
There are many reputed pediatric thoracic surgeons in Bangalore associated with the best children’s hospitals, so you can rest assured that your child is in good hands. We have the best of these assets in the city of Bangalore. In their quest for the top pediatric thoracic surgeon in Bangalore, these parents have access to credible healthcare establishments that specialize in child health.
Manipal Hospitals
Manipal Hospitals – Pediatric Thoracic Surgery: Ranked as a leading choice for medical centers offering multispecialty services, Manipal Hospitals specializes in pediatric thoracic surgery for optimal patient benefit. The latest diagnostic tools, VATS technology, and a specialized pediatric ICU support them.
Narayana
Famous for pediatric cardiothoracic care, Narayana Health boasts some of the country’s top pediatric surgeons. They have access to minimally invasive procedures, ECMO, and an excellent team of specialists.
Rainbow Children’s Hospital
Renowned for our unique pediatric care model, we offer the most advanced surgical and postoperative care exclusively for kids. The chest team manages complex chest conditions, both congenital and acquired, with a whole-of-care perspective.
Aster CMI Hospital
With a renowned Center of Excellence in Pediatric Surgery, Aster CMI offers state-of-the-art thoracic interventions, 24/7 pediatric ICU backup, and patient-centric recovery pathways.
Booking appointments, finding the best surgeon
While looking for a pediatric surgeon near me, make certain that;
Check the surgeon’s experience and fellowship training
Ask about their thoracic experience.
Verify accreditations, and determine if the hospital has a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU).
Arrange a meeting to discuss your child’s requirements and operational details.
Selecting a pediatric thoracic surgeon in Bangalore, the best in the field, guarantees that a child undergoes expert care, accompanied by compassion and safety.
Innovations and Research in Pediatric Thoracic Surgery
The field of pediatric thoracic surgery is rapidly evolving with continuous clinical investigation and technological advancements. As featured in the journal Frontiers in Pediatrics, new developments in healthcare are revolutionizing the way surgeons train to diagnose, plan, and repair heart defects in children.
Precision Imaging & Artificial Intelligence
Thanks to imaging methods powered by AI, better and earlier diagnosis leads to more precise surgical planning. Using state-of-the-art 3D reconstruction and reporting, immediate intraoperative navigation allows the surgeon to visualize complex thoracic anatomy, resulting in decreased risks and improved surgical outcomes.
Gene Therapy and Tissue Engineering
For congenital disabilities of the human thorax, gene-targeted treatments are investigated as future replacements for invasive surgery. At the same time, the field of tissue engineering, including lab-grown tracheal grafts and lung scaffolds, holds promise for repairing damaged or underdeveloped tissue in children.
Techniques of Robotic & Hybrid Surgery
Robotization and hybrid techniques are the key when it comes to precision, time to recovery, and minimized trauma in thoracic surgery, particularly in neonates and infants.
Looking Ahead
The future of pediatric thoracic interventions lies in minimally invasive, individualized, and regenerative medicine concepts. As research and implementation of technology advance, even patients with the most complex thoracic conditions will see better results.
Cost of Pediatric Thoracic Surgery in Bangalore
The price of pediatric thoracic surgery in Bangalore varies significantly, depending on the complexity of the condition, the procedure (minimally invasive or open surgery), hospital facilities, and the postoperative care that you may need.
Cost Range
Routine surgeries (such as laparoscopic surgeries): ₹2 – ₹4 lakhs
Complicated operations (for example, congenital heart or lung repairs): ₹4 – ₹8+ lakhs
These amounts usually include pre-operative images, surgery, ICU time, drugs, and follow-up visits.
Insurance , But Government Schemes
Numerous hospitals accept private health insurance policies that cover pediatric surgeries. Moreover, plans such as Ayushman Bharat – PMJAY also finance eligible families at empaneled hospitals.
Balancing Cost with Quality
Although expense is a significant consideration, emphasizing a certified pediatric thoracic surgeon, advanced technology, and comprehensive postoperative care can be very beneficial for your child’s safety and recovery.
FAQs on Pediatric Thoracic Surgery
Pediatric thoracic surgery is a specialty field that deals with the diagnosis and surgical treatment of chest diseases in children, from infants to older adolescents. It treats both congenital and acquired conditions.
A pediatric thoracic surgeon may also be called a pediatric cardiothoracic surgeon, or a playfully nicknamed pediatric chest surgeon. They are specialists in surgeries of the heart, lungs, and chest structures in children.
Thoracic surgery tends to be of moderate to high complexity, potentially endangering children; however, the specific approach/ care derived from children’s concerns will minimize children’s risk. Risks vary depending on the child’s health condition, the complexity of the surgery, and overall health.
Examples include:
Lobectomy (surgical removal of a lung lobe)
Thoracotomy + open heart surgery (both Open and closed together!)
VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery)
Rectinol for congenital diaphragmatic hernia
Chest wall reconstruction
During thoracic surgery:
The child is put under a general anesthetic.
The operation is done with minor cuts (VATS) or with open chest surgery.
The organ (such as the lung, heart, etc.) is repaired, removed, or reconstructed.
Management is monitoring in a pediatric intensive care unit (ICU).
Most pediatric thoracic surgeries are done in the lateral decubitus position (child lies on their side).
This allows optimal access to the chest and lung fields.
A child should see a pediatric thoracic surgeon if they are diagnosed with:
- A congenital chest deformity
- Persistent lung infections
- A chest mass or tumor
A congenital heart or lung defect
According to the latest figures, India has fewer than 200 highly trained pediatric cardiothoracic surgeons.
Conclusion: Ensuring the Best Surgical Care for Your Child
The correct diagnosis and discussion with a pediatric thoracic surgeon could make a difference in determining the future of the life of a child with a complex chest anomaly. These experts offer an exceptional level of expertise in treating the most complicated cases, child-focused care, and the latest advanced surgical techniques to provide the best care for your child.
Providing timely treatment for your child’s congenital thoracic/lung condition or chest wall deformity can make all the difference.
Don’t wait. If you think your child may have a thoracic problem, contact a thoracic disease specialist today.