Our Summary
This research paper pays homage to the pioneering women in the field of pediatric surgery in the United States. These women made significant contributions in various cities across the country. They include Benjy Brooks from Houston, Jessie Ternberg from St. Louis, Rowena Spencer from New Orleans, Louise Schnaufer from Philadelphia, Kathryn Anderson from Washington, D.C., and Patricia Donahoe from Boston.
Despite their notable achievements, each of these women had to face gender discrimination throughout their careers. This included limited spots for women in medical schools, bias against women training in surgery and pediatric surgery, and a lack of female role models and mentors. For instance, Louise Schnaufer was a key figure in general and thoracic surgery at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, but her contributions often went unnoticed. Kathryn Anderson went on to become the first woman to lead professional societies in pediatric surgery and the American College of Surgeons. Patricia Donahoe had an illustrious academic career and became one of the country’s leading surgical scientists.
The stories of these women are not just a part of the history of the field, but also serve as an inspiration for future generations.
FAQs
- Who are some of the pioneering women in the field of pediatric surgery in the United States?
- What challenges did these women face due to gender discrimination in their careers?
- How have these pioneering women in pediatric surgery influenced future generations?
Doctor’s Tip
A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about pediatric cardiac surgery is to make sure to follow all pre-operative instructions provided by the medical team, including fasting guidelines and medication protocols. It is important to trust in the expertise of the surgical team and to ask any questions or voice any concerns before the procedure. After surgery, it is crucial to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including monitoring for signs of infection or complications, attending all follow-up appointments, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle to support recovery.
Suitable For
Pediatric cardiac surgery is typically recommended for patients with congenital heart defects, acquired heart diseases, and other cardiac conditions that require surgical intervention. This includes infants, children, and adolescents who may be experiencing symptoms such as difficulty breathing, poor growth, cyanosis (bluish skin color), heart murmurs, and abnormal heart rhythms.
Specifically, patients who may benefit from pediatric cardiac surgery include those with conditions such as atrial septal defects, ventricular septal defects, tetralogy of Fallot, transposition of the great arteries, coarctation of the aorta, hypoplastic left heart syndrome, and other complex congenital heart defects. Additionally, patients with acquired heart diseases such as rheumatic heart disease, endocarditis, and cardiomyopathy may also require surgical intervention.
Pediatric cardiac surgery is a specialized field that requires a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including pediatric cardiac surgeons, pediatric cardiologists, cardiac anesthesiologists, pediatric intensivists, and cardiac nurses. These professionals work together to provide comprehensive care for pediatric patients with complex cardiac conditions, ensuring the best possible outcomes for these patients.
Timeline
Before pediatric cardiac surgery, a patient typically undergoes a series of tests and evaluations to determine the extent of their heart condition and whether surgery is necessary. This may include imaging tests, blood tests, and consultations with various specialists.
Once the decision is made to proceed with surgery, the patient and their family will meet with the surgical team to discuss the procedure, potential risks and benefits, and what to expect during the recovery period. The patient may also undergo pre-operative preparations such as fasting and receiving medications to prepare for the surgery.
During the surgery itself, the patient will be under general anesthesia and closely monitored by a team of surgeons, nurses, and anesthesiologists. The surgery can vary depending on the specific heart condition, but common procedures include repairing heart defects, removing blockages, or replacing valves.
After the surgery, the patient will be closely monitored in the intensive care unit (ICU) for a period of time to ensure they are stable and recovering well. They may require medications, breathing support, and physical therapy to aid in their recovery. Once stable, the patient will be transferred to a regular hospital room for further monitoring before eventually being discharged home.
Following discharge, the patient will continue to have follow-up appointments with their surgical team to monitor their progress, adjust medications, and address any concerns or complications that may arise. With proper care and adherence to post-operative instructions, patients can often experience significant improvements in their heart function and overall quality of life.
What to Ask Your Doctor
Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about pediatric cardiac surgery may include:
- What specific type of heart condition does my child have and what are the treatment options?
- How experienced is the surgical team in performing pediatric cardiac surgeries, particularly in cases like my child’s?
- What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery?
- What is the expected outcome and recovery time for my child after the surgery?
- Are there any alternative treatments or less invasive procedures that could be considered?
- Will my child require long-term follow-up care or additional surgeries in the future?
- How can I best prepare my child for the surgery and help them during the recovery process?
- Are there any lifestyle changes or dietary restrictions my child will need to follow post-surgery?
- What support services are available for my child and our family throughout the surgical process?
- Are there any research studies or clinical trials that my child may be eligible for in relation to their heart condition?
Reference
Authors: Nakayama DK. Journal: J Pediatr Surg. 2018 Nov;53(11):2361-2368. doi: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2018.08.038. Epub 2018 Sep 6. PMID: 30236607