Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 19, 2026
Transmesenteric Laparoscopic Pyeloplasty in Trendelenburg Position for Horseshoe Kidney with Hydronephrosis
Published on: July 8, 2025
General paediatric surgery for patients aged under 5 years: a 5-year experience at a district general hospital
1Wexham Park Hospital, Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust , UK.
Insights
General paediatric surgery (GPS) in district general hospitals (DGHs) is safe for children under five. DGHs offer crucial training opportunities for surgical trainees, vital for future GPS provision.
Area of Science:
- Paediatric Surgery
- Surgical Training
- Healthcare Provision
Background:
- Centralisation of general paediatric surgery (GPS) services from district general hospitals (DGHs) to specialized units is a recognized trend in the UK.
- This shift potentially reduces surgical training exposure to GPS for trainees.
- The study examines the practice and outcomes of GPS within a DGH setting.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and outcomes of general paediatric surgery (GPS) performed in a district general hospital (DGH).
- To assess the role of DGHs in providing essential surgical training for paediatric surgical trainees.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of all operations on children under 5 years over a 5-year period (2009-2014).
- Data collected from electronic operation databases, hospital records, and clinic letters.
- Inclusion of demographics, operations performed, and outcome measures.
Main Results:
- 472 GPS operations were performed on children aged 22 days to 5 years.
- 43 operations were emergencies, and 105 were on infants under 1 year.
- Complication rates were comparable to published literature, with low readmission and day case admission rates.
Conclusions:
- General paediatric surgery for children under 5 is safe in the DGH setting.
- DGHs provide invaluable training opportunities for surgical trainees.
- Maintaining GPS provision in DGHs is vital for future healthcare access and training.
Abstract:
Introduction The gradual shift of general paediatric surgery (GPS) provision from district general hospitals (DGH) to specialised units is well recognised in the UK. The consequences of centralisation include a reduction in exposure to GPS for current surgical trainees. The GPS practice of a DGH is examined here. Methods All operations performed on children aged under 5 years over a 5-year period were identified using the local electronic operation database. Electronic hospital records and clinic letters were accessed to collect data on demographics, operations performed and outcome measures. Results 472 GPS operations were performed on children between the age of 22 days and 5 years between 2009 and 2014, of which 43 were on an emergency basis and 105 were performed on patients aged less than 1 year. Three patients were admitted following day case surgery. Six patients were readmitted within 30 days. Complication rates for all procedures and the four most common procedures were similar to those found in published literature. Conclusions GPS for patients aged less than 5 years is comparatively safe in the DGH setting. The training opportunities available at DGHs are invaluable to surgical trainees and vital for sustaining the future provision of GPS by such hospitals.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption
01:26Endoscopic Procedures IV: Sigmoidoscopy and Laproscopy
Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that uses a flexible sigmoidoscope equipped with a light source and camera to examine the rectum and sigmoid colon. The procedure involves inserting the tube through the anus...
01:24Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism
01:26Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Excretion