Conditions we treat
The general children and young people’s surgical clinic at The James Cook University Hospital sees infants, children and young people up to the age of 16 with the following conditions:
- Congenital inguinal hernia
- Umbilical hernia
- Hydrocele
- Undescended testis
- Phimosis and recurrent balanitis
- Hernias
- Minor surgical conditions
- Ventral hernia
- Ingrowing toenail problems
- Lumps and bumps excision (chest / abdomen)
Often, there is either no need for surgery (for example a baby with a tummy button hernia) or a condition that may go away by itself within two years (for example fluid around the testis in a boy).
Groin hernias are usually the ones that we operate on irrespective of the child’s age.
Almost all operations are done as day case so there is no need for an overnight stay in hospital and your child will be looked after in a suitable children and young people’s surgical day unit.
How to refer
Your GP will refer your child to us with one of the following common possible conditions – a hernia of the tummy button, tummy wall or groin.
Sometimes a podiatrist or GP will refer big toe nail problems to us also.
There is a very well established tongue tie assessment service in Newcastle so we do not undertake assessment or treatment at South Tees.
Training and research
Both James Cook and Friarage sites have medical students and training doctors in clinics and theatres.
We have a responsibility to ensure they are taught the skills to be your next GP or children and young people’s surgeon. They will always be supervised in areas where they are still being trained.
We also have a rolling programme of audit and research – that might mean a phone call, questionnaire or review of clinical records to ensure the quality of care we provide your child is to a very high standard.