Today I want to share my admiration for the work of a pediatric surgeon. The care and treatment of children is one of the most important responsibilities we can assume as a society. Pediatric surgeons play a crucial role in the health and well-being of future generations. The value of pediatric medicine lies in the ability to provide hope and healing to the most vulnerable among us. Pediatric surgeons possess not only exceptional technical skill, but also unparalleled compassion and empathy. They combine surgical skill with a holistic approach to address the medical and emotional needs of their young patients and their families. Pediatric surgery presents unique challenges that require an extraordinary level of care, precision and understanding. The pediatric surgeons I admire demonstrate an unwavering commitment to the well-being of their patients, as well as an ability to navigate complex medical situations with grace and determination.
It's important to keep blood glucose levels up in pediatric patients, especially around the time of anesthesia/surgery, so we give everyone a little snack post-op as soon as they're awake enough to eat without aspirating. The cuteness is just an additional benefit for us!
Baby Bina with the operating team
nfant born with herniated diaphragm saved at Hadassah Hospital, thanks to advanced, micro-invasive procedure. Arutz Sheva Staff, 01/07/19 09:26
The delivery room team realized there was a problem with the baby, due to respiratory distress.
An ultra sound showed a diaphragmatic hernia.
When the diaphragm, the thin sheet of muscle that separates the abdomen from the chest, doesn’t form properly, organs that are normally in the abdomen can be pushed (herniated) through the opening into the chest. The baby’s small intestine, colon and spleen were in the chest, pressing on the lungs and heart.
The baby was put on a respiratory device to stabilize her condition while the doctors prepared for the procedure.
Her parents, Libby and Joe Preiger, say that despite many prenatal tests and follow ups at their local health provider, they didn’t know that their daughter suffered from the hernia. They expressed complete trust and faith in the Hadassah doctors "to treat our baby in the best way possible.
Dr. Amos Fruman, director of the Pediatric Surgery Department at Hadassah Hospital, says that in most cases, babies born with this syndrome need to undergo a major operation involving opening of the thorax, pushing back the organs to the abdomen and a closure of the diaphragm.
But this time, an idea came up and in a team brainstorming session. They decided to perform thoracoscopy: a minimally invasive surgery using two optic fibers and a camera, a procedure that does not require the opening of the chest.
"Our team knows how to do this, but we had to make sure there was no cardiac or pulmonary problem common in those with a diaphragmatic hernia," Dr. Fruman said. “Despite the great challenge of thoracoscopic surgery we wanted to make it easier for the baby. Our team was called in from home, and we carefully prepared for the first procedure of its kind here. It was quite an operation.”
Dr. Diaa Zagiir, a senior physician in pediatric surgery, operated on the baby, Dr. Vadim Kapuller was responsible for the imaging during the operation, with the insertion of the optical fiber. Dr. Miriam Rauschenbach played a key role as anesthesiologist.
"Thoracoscopic is an operation in which a micro camera and two fibers are inserted through the thorax to close the rupture, inserted through three holes, three millimeters wide each," explains Dr. Zegiir. It is difficult because there is very little space there anyway, but it’s even tighter with babies. That’s why most surgeons prefer open chest surgery. But we have the best technology, and we know how to use it. We realized that this was the best option for this baby”.
If surgery involving thoracic opening is performed, it doubles the operation time, as well as the recovery period. The baby would have had to stay in the emergency care unit for weeks rather than a few days. This also prevents the higher risk of postoperative infection and even the twisted backs of scoliosis.
The operation was successful, and the baby began to show positive signs of recovery. “She is a real trooper and we are happy that we enabled the sweet baby to lead a full, normal, healthy life," says Dr. Fruman. "This is the essence of the work we do at Hadassah Pediatric Surgery."
"Our baby Bina is healthy now, and against all odds this life-saving procedure took place quickly, with minimal suffering for our baby” says her mother Libby. "Bina will grow up to be a healthy baby, thanks to the amazing staff at Hadassah who did not hesitate and chose the right surgical procedure for her. We will never forget it and will tell her all about it when she grows up.”
I recently had the opportunity to observe a posterior fossa tumor excision on a 2-year-old. I think my username gives away the fact that neurology has a special place in my heart, and as a clerk, I was naturally excited to encounter such a case this early. For once, I wanted to be asked questions by the consultants. What’s even better was that they were kind enough to teach us as they went along with the operation, so we had the chance to see the structures of the brain up close. I didn’t realize how heartbreaking it was until the end, when one of the consultants discussed with us the prognosis of this case. To my seniors, how do you do it? How do you wrap your head around the fact that your learning experiences are someone else’s biggest heartbreaks?
Spent this past weekend moving into my new apartment and it’s a work in progress but I love it so far. We live right around the corner from our favorite neighborhood pub and a fantastic bakery. Best ham and cheese croissant I’ve ever had.
I’m using both of my personal days this week since today’s my birthday. I’m so excited to relax, decorate/organize the new place, and dog sit for a friend.
I’m doing pediatric surgery for the next couple weeks and I’m learning a lot! After that I’ve got general surgery and then a bit of ophthalmology.
Also, I got honors on my OB/Gyn shelf, which was a pleasant surprise!
When a child is diagnosed with a serious medical condition, every parent wants access to the best possible care without unnecessary delays.
Planning medical treatment for your child in India? This 2026 guide helps Indian Hospitals for Kenyan Patients parents understand pediatric treatment options, leading children's hospitals, treatment costs, medical visas, and travel planning. Learn how India provides world-class pediatric care with experienced specialists.
