Treatments

Treatments

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The appendix is a small finger-like tube attached to the first part of the large intestine. Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix. The treatment for appendicitis is an operation to remove the appendix – an appendicectomy.
Circumcision is the operation to remove the foreskin (the flap of skin naturally covering the tip of the penis). The Paediatric Society of NZ's position is that there is no medical reason for routine male circumcision.
CPAP is a treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea. A CPAP machine holds the airway open by gently blowing air into the breathing passages at a set pressure. This stops the airway from narrowing as can happen in obstructive sleep apnoea.
A drip is a short, small plastic tube that is put into your child's vein using a needle. The plastic tube is then left in so that fluids and medicines can be given directly into the blood via the vein.

Epidurals are widely used for major operations involving the chest, stomach (abdomen) or lower limbs. An epidural will only be suggested if your surgeon and anaesthetist believe that it will provide the best pain relief and recovery for your child.

This medication was first made to help control some types of epileptic seizures. Gabapentin has since been found to be effective for some types of pain.

General information about immunisation; the diseases we recommend vaccinating children against in New Zealand; the New Zealand childhood immunisation schedule and suggestions to decrease anxiety when your baby is having their immunisations.
Grommets are tiny plastic tubes inserted into your child's ear drum in a short operation. Grommets may be recommended if your child has glue ear that won't clear up, or frequent ear infections.
Laxatives are medications that help the body to get rid of poo. They are a standard and essential part of the treatment of constipation and have been shown to speed up improvement better than dietary changes alone.

This section includes information about helping your child cope with procedures and treatment, preparing for hospital, and information about specific pain medications and treatments.

Plasters (also called casts or plaster casts) and splints are applied to prevent the bones from moving. This allows the fracture (broken bone) time to rest and heal. An arm plaster cast takes 24 hours to dry.
Plasters (also called casts or plaster casts) and splints are applied to prevent the bones from moving. This allows the fracture time to rest and heal. A leg plaster cast takes 48 hours to dry.
A pyloromyotomy is an operation for the treatment of pyloric stenosis. Pyloric stenosis is a narrowing of the pylorus – the passage leading from the stomach to the small intestine.
A tonsillectomy is an operation to remove the tonsils. An adenotonsillectomy is an operation to remove both the adenoids and tonsils. Tonsils and adenoids are lumps of tissue (similar to the ‘glands’ that are in the neck and other parts of the body).
All babies need vitamin K. Vitamin K helps blood to clot and prevents serious bleeding. Babies have low levels of vitamin K in their bodies. The most reliable way to give babies vitamin K is by one injection into the muscle (intramuscular injection). One injection given just after birth will protect your baby for many months.