Dr Nada Child Surgeon

Dr Nada Child Surgeon Hi, I’m Dr. Nada, a paediatric surgeon specialising in Keyhole Surgery and based in KL, Malaysia.
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15/05/2026

Keyhole vs Open Surgery: What’s the Difference for Children?

Many parents hear the terms “open surgery” and “laparoscopic surgery” but are not always sure what the actual difference is.

The main difference is how we reach the area being operated on.

Open surgery requires a larger cut through:

- Skin
- Fat
- Muscle

Laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery uses:

- A small camera
- Tiny instruments
- Usually just 3 very small openings

With keyhole surgery, the instruments pass through small ports, which gently spread the muscle instead of cutting through it. This is important because muscle cutting is one of the main reasons open surgery can be more painful.

For children, this often means:

- Less pain
- Faster movement after surgery
- Faster recovery
- Shorter hospital stay
- Smaller scars

In many cases, children who have laparoscopic surgery are already walking around and going home within a day.

Whenever minimally invasive surgery is suitable, it can make the whole experience much easier for both child and parent.

Watch this video to understand the difference between open and keyhole surgery, and why recovery is often faster with laparoscopic procedures.

I’m Dr Nada Sudhakaran, a paediatric surgeon specialising in laparoscopic and thoracoscopic (keyhole) surgery for children at Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur and Assunta Hospital Petaling Jaya (Malaysia).

If this helped you better understand your child’s surgery options, like and share it with other parents.

For more help visit: https://www.drnadachildsurgeon.com/

13/05/2026

How Should Parents Choose a Paediatric Surgeon?

When your child needs surgery, one of the hardest decisions is choosing the right surgeon and hospital.

Many parents visit several hospitals before deciding. That is completely normal.

But what should you actually look for?

One of the most important things is communication.

Parents should feel:

- Comfortable asking questions
- Able to understand the explanation clearly
- Confident they can contact the doctor when needed

Trust and communication matter just as much as technical skill.

The next thing to consider is experience and surgical approach.

Whenever possible, minimally invasive surgery such as laparoscopic or thoracoscopic surgery should be offered. These techniques usually mean:

- Smaller cuts
- Less pain
- Faster recovery
- Less stress for the child

Hospital location and cost are also practical factors.

Parents often need to think about:

- Distance from home
- Other children at home
- Ease of travelling during recovery
- Insurance coverage and affordability

But ultimately, the surgeon is usually the most important decision.

Parents should choose someone they feel comfortable with, someone experienced, and someone they trust to guide them through the process.

Watch this video to learn the key things parents should consider when choosing a paediatric surgeon and hospital for their child.

I’m Dr Nada Sudhakaran, a paediatric surgeon specialising in laparoscopic and thoracoscopic (keyhole) surgery for children at Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur and Assunta Hospital Petaling Jaya (Malaysia).

If this helped you, like and share it with other parents.

For more help visit: https://www.drnadachildsurgeon.com/

11/05/2026

Does Your Child Really Need a Paediatric Surgeon?

Many parents are told that a general surgeon can also perform surgery for children. While that may be true for some procedures, children are very different from adults — and that matters during surgery and recovery.

A child’s:

- Body functions differently
- Reactions to illness are different
- Emotional and psychological needs are different

Children are not simply “small adults”.

Paediatric surgeons are specially trained to manage:

- How children respond to pain and illness
- Child-specific surgical conditions
- Age-appropriate care and recovery
- Minimally invasive (keyhole) surgery for children

The hospital experience also matters. Younger children can become frightened in adult wards and may struggle emotionally in an adult environment.

Whenever possible, minimally invasive surgery such as laparoscopic or thoracoscopic surgery is preferred because it usually means:

- Smaller cuts
- Less pain
- Faster recovery
- Shorter hospital stay

The goal is not just successful surgery, but helping the child go through the experience with as little trauma and discomfort as possible.

Watch this video to understand why paediatric surgery is different and why specialised care can make a big difference for children.

I’m Dr Nada Sudhakaran, a paediatric surgeon specialising in laparoscopic and thoracoscopic (keyhole) surgery for children at Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur and Assunta Hospital Petaling Jaya (Malaysia).

If this helped you make a more informed decision, like and share it with other parents.

For more help visit: https://www.drnadachildsurgeon.com/

08/05/2026

Appendicitis in Children: Why Early Surgery Often Leads to Faster Recovery

One of the most common questions parents ask is whether appendicitis can be treated with antibiotics instead of surgery.

While antibiotics may temporarily reduce symptoms, the problem often comes back. More importantly, delaying treatment increases the risk of the appendix bursting and spreading infection inside the abdomen.

That is why early treatment is important.

For most children, the best option is laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery to remove the appendix before complications develop.

The benefits of early laparoscopic surgery include:

-Faster recovery
- Less pain
- Shorter hospital stay
- Earlier return to normal activity

In many cases, children are already:

- Walking within 24 hours
- Eating and drinking normally
- Back to normal function within 48 hours

Compared to prolonged antibiotics and repeated symptoms, keyhole surgery often provides a quicker and more complete recovery.

Watch this video to understand why early laparoscopic surgery is commonly the preferred treatment for appendicitis in children.

I’m Dr Nada Sudhakaran, a paediatric surgeon specialising in laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery for children at Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur and Assunta Hospital Petaling Jaya (Malaysia).

If this helped you better understand appendicitis treatment, like and share it with other parents.

For more help visit: https://www.drnadachildsurgeon.com/

08/05/2026

Child Hernia Surgery: Why Laparoscopic Surgery Is Safer for Girls

When a child needs hernia surgery, most parents ask one question: what is the safest approach?

In children, especially girls, this matters even more.

During laparoscopic (keyhole) hernia repair, we can see inside the abdomen clearly. This allows us to do more than just fix the hernia.

We can:

- Check both sides for a developing hernia
- See important structures like the ovaries and fallopian tubes
- Avoid damaging these structures during surgery

With open surgery, the view is limited. There is a higher risk of not detecting a hernia on the other side, and a small risk of injuring nearby structures.

Keyhole surgery gives better visibility and control, making the procedure safer and more precise.

The operation itself is quick, often around 20 minutes, with fast recovery for the child.

Assunta Hospital Malaysia now has the most affordable Paediatric Hernia Repair package, using laser-like precise minimally invasive techniques and performed by Dr Nada.

Contact Assunta Hospital at +603-78723100 for more info.

Watch this video to understand why laparoscopic hernia repair is the preferred approach for children, especially girls.

I’m Dr Nada Sudhakaran, a paediatric surgeon specialising in laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery for children at Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur and Assunta Hospital Petaling Jaya (Malaysia).

If this was helpful, like and share it with other parents.

For more help visit: https://www.drnadachildsurgeon.com/

06/05/2026

Young Children and Babies Can't Get Appendicitis? Think Again...

Many parents think appendicitis only happens in older children. But even younger children, including those under five, can develop appendicitis.

The challenge is that the symptoms are often not typical.

In older children, appendicitis usually starts with pain around the middle of the tummy before moving to the lower right side. Younger children may present very differently.

Some warning signs in younger children include:

- Fever
- General tummy pain
- Lethargy or unusual tiredness
- Not wanting to move much
- Crying or discomfort when the tummy is touched

One important thing parents should know is this. In younger children, the appendix may burst earlier than in older kids. That means delays can sometimes lead to more serious illness.

If your child has fever, seems unusually quiet, does not want to move, or becomes upset when the tummy is touched, it is best to have them assessed early.

Watch this video to understand how appendicitis presents differently in younger children and when parents should seek medical attention.

I’m Dr Nada Sudhakaran, a paediatric surgeon specialising in laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery for children at Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur and Assunta Hospital Petaling Jaya (Malaysia).

If this helped you, like and share it with other parents.

For more help visit: https://www.drnadachildsurgeon.com/

04/05/2026

Child Tummy Pain: What Doctors Actually Check First

When your child has tummy pain with fever, it’s easy to worry about the worst.

But in most cases, the cause is something simple.

The first step is always a careful assessment.

Doctors usually look at:

- Bowel habits (constipation is very common)
- Feeding and appetite
- Urine symptoms (to rule out infection)
- Location of the pain

Where the pain is matters.

If it’s lower tummy, it could be:

- Urine infection
- Constipation

If it’s on the right side, we consider appendicitis.

In most children, a proper examination is enough to guide the next step. Only some cases need further tests like blood work or an ultrasound.

The key message is this.

Most children do not need admission or complex investigations. But getting them checked early helps rule out serious conditions.

Watch this video to understand how doctors assess tummy pain in children and when further tests are needed.

I’m Dr Nada Sudhakaran, a paediatric surgeon specialising in laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery for children at Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur and Assunta Hospital Petaling Jaya (Malaysia).

If this helped you feel more confident, like and share it with other parents.

For more help visit: https://www.drnadachildsurgeon.com/

29/04/2026

Child Hernia Surgery: What Recovery Really Looks Like

Your child needs surgery. Your stomach drops. Now what?

For most parents, the fear before surgery is far greater than the reality after.

Here's a real example. A child came in for laparoscopic (keyhole) hernia repair. During the procedure, we discovered a second hernia and treated both at the same time - no second operation needed, no extra recovery.

One week later? No pain. Back to running around. Completely himself again.

Most children are back to normal within one to two days after keyhole surgery. Less pain, smaller cuts, faster healing — and far less disruption for the whole family.

If you're a parent sitting with that same worry right now, this video is for you.

Assunta Hospital Malaysia now has the most affordable Paediatric Hernia Repair package, using laser-like precise minimally invasive techniques and performed by Dr Nada.

Contact Assunta Hospital at +603-78723100 for more info.

Watch to understand exactly what to expect after hernia surgery and why recovery is almost always quicker and smoother than you imagined.

I'm Dr Nada Sudhakaran, a paediatric surgeon specialising in laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery for children at Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur and Assunta Hospital Petaling Jaya (Malaysia). Helping families worry a little less - that's why I do this work.

If this reassured you, share it with a parent who needs to hear it tonight.

For more help visit:🔗 https://www.drnadachildsurgeon.com/

27/04/2026

Child Hernia Surgery: Is the Risk Really High?

When parents hear their child needs surgery, the first concern is always the same.

Is it safe?

With inguinal hernia, the bigger risk is often not the surgery, but leaving it untreated.

When a hernia is present, structures like intestine, fat, or even the o***y (in girls) can slip through the opening. If this gets stuck:

- Blood supply can be cut off
- The intestine or o***y can be damaged
- This can become an emergency

This is why we do not recommend waiting.

When we decide on surgery, we always compare:

- Risk of doing nothing
- Risk of the operation

In children, hernia surgery is very safe:

- Anaesthesia is safe even for young children
- Laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery allows full visibility
- Very small cuts mean low risk of infection and bleeding
- Recurrence rates are low

In fact, we routinely perform these procedures even in newborn and premature babies safely.

For older children, the risk is even lower.

The key point is this. The risk of complications from the hernia is higher than the risk of fixing it.

Watch this video to understand how surgeons assess risk and why hernia surgery is considered a safe and necessary procedure.

I’m Dr Nada Sudhakaran, a paediatric surgeon specialising in laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery for children at Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur and Assunta Hospital Petaling Jaya (Malaysia)

If this helped ease your concerns, like and share it with other parents.

For more help visit: https://www.drnadachildsurgeon.com/

22/04/2026

Child Hernia: Can You Delay Surgery or Try Massage First?

It’s a common question parents ask.

Can we wait?
Can we try massage or traditional methods first?

The short answer is no.

A hernia is a structural problem. There is an opening in the groin, and this does not close on its own. Massage may push the contents back temporarily, but the opening is still there.

That means the problem will keep coming back.

The real concern is the risk of complications.

If the intestine gets stuck in the opening:

- It can cause blockage (your child may vomit)
- Blood supply can be cut off
- The intestine can become damaged

These situations can become emergencies.

When deciding about surgery, we always compare two things:

- The risk of leaving it untreated
- The risk of the surgery

In this case, the risk of not treating the hernia is higher.

Hernia surgery in children is straightforward:

- Day procedure
- About one hour including anaesthesia
- Very fast recovery
- Most children are back to normal the next day

Delaying surgery often prolongs stress for both parent and child.

Watch this video to understand why hernias do not go away on their own and why early treatment is usually the best option.

I’m Dr Nada Sudhakaran, a paediatric surgeon specialising in laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery for children at Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur and Assunta Hospital Petlaing Jaya (Malaysia).

If this helped clarify your concerns, like and share it with other parents.

For more help visit: https://www.drnadachildsurgeon.com/

20/04/2026

Groin Swelling in Your Child: How Is Hernia Diagnosed?

If you notice a swelling in your child’s groin, especially one that comes and goes, it’s natural to feel concerned.

This is often how an inguinal hernia presents.

In girls, a groin swelling is most commonly a hernia, though occasionally it could be a lymph node. In boys, other conditions like undescended te**es or fluid collection (hydrocele) can also cause swelling.

One simple but very helpful thing parents can do is this.

If you see the swelling, take a photo or video.

This helps us understand exactly where and how it appears, especially since hernias can disappear by the time you see the doctor.

Diagnosis is usually made through clinical examination.

We examine the child:

- Lying down
- Sitting
- Standing

Often, the swelling is easier to see when the child is standing or crying, as the pressure in the abdomen pushes the hernia out.

In most cases, ultrasound is not necessary. If the hernia is not visible at the time of the scan, it may not show anything.

A good history from parents and a proper physical examination are the most important tools.

Watch this video to understand how hernias are diagnosed in children and what parents should look out for.

I’m Dr Nada Sudhakaran, a paediatric surgeon specialising in laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery for children at Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur and Assunta Hospital Petaling Jaya (Malaysia).

If this was helpful, like and share it with other parents.

For more help visit: https://www.drnadachildsurgeon.com/

Address

Pantai Hospital, Room A405, 4th Floor, Block A, 8 Jalan Bukit Pantai
Kuala Lumpur
51900

Opening Hours

Monday 09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 09:00 - 17:00
Thursday 09:00 - 17:00
Friday 14:00 - 17:00
Saturday 10:00 - 12:00

Telephone

+60322960419

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