Dr Cleo Mshumpela

Dr Cleo Mshumpela Dr Cleo Mshumpela is a paediatric surgeon whose other core competencies include neonatal surgery and trauma.

She is passionate about putting South Africa on the map in this field through advances in surgical techniques and research.

World Health Day reminds us that every child deserves access to safe and quality healthcare.For some children, this incl...
07/04/2026

World Health Day reminds us that every child deserves access to safe and quality healthcare.

For some children, this includes specialised surgical care for congenital conditions, injuries or serious illness.

Paediatric surgery is not only about performing operations. It is about careful diagnosis, thoughtful decision-making and long-term follow-up to support healthy growth and development.

Ensuring that children have access to skilled medical and surgical care remains an essential part of protecting their future health.

To all our little heroes- happy world paediatric surgery day
07/04/2026

To all our little heroes- happy world paediatric surgery day

Appendicitis is one of the most common reasons children need emergency surgery.But it does not always look the way you e...
05/04/2026

Appendicitis is one of the most common reasons children need emergency surgery.

But it does not always look the way you expect.

Early signs can include:
• Pain around the belly button
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea or vomiting

As it progresses:
• Pain moves to the lower right side
• Fever may develop
• Walking or movement becomes painful

In younger children, symptoms can be less clear, which is why delays sometimes happen.

The key is timing.
The earlier it is diagnosed, the lower the risk of complications.

If your child has ongoing abdominal pain which is getting worse, do not wait it out.

📍 When in doubt, get it checked.

Easter weekend means family time, road trips and often… long hours in the car.But it is also one of the busiest times on...
02/04/2026

Easter weekend means family time, road trips and often… long hours in the car.

But it is also one of the busiest times on our roads.

A few small precautions can make a big difference when it comes to your child’s safety.

Car safety tips for children:

• Always use the correct car seat for your child’s age and size
• Make sure the seat is properly installed – this matters more than most people realise
• Never hold a child on your lap in a moving vehicle
• Keep children in the back seat at all times
• Ensure seatbelts fit correctly (no loose straps or twists).

Important reminder:
A quick drive or ‘just around the corner’ is often when safety gets overlooked.

Most accidents happen close to home.

Extra tip for long trips:
• Plan regular stops
• Keep kids hydrated
• Pack snacks and comfort items
• Avoid distractions for the driver

Safe travel is not about perfection.
It is about being consistent every single time.

Wishing all our families a safe and peaceful Easter weekend 🤍

Complicated PneumoniaMost children recover from pneumonia with antibiotics, but fluids occasionally collect around the l...
30/03/2026

Complicated Pneumonia

Most children recover from pneumonia with antibiotics, but fluids occasionally collect around the lungs which then become infected. This is called empyema.

Signs that pneumonia may be progressing include:

• Persistent fever

• Worsening breathing difficulty

• Chest pain

• Slow recovery despite treatment

When fluid becomes thick or loculated, surgical drainage may be required to allow the lungs to re-expand fully.

Early intervention shortens recovery and prevents long-term lung problems.

The Danger of MagnetsSwallowing a magnet is a serious and potentially life-threatening event for a child.When more than ...
27/03/2026

The Danger of Magnets

Swallowing a magnet is a serious and potentially life-threatening event for a child.

When more than one magnet is swallowed, they can attract each other through loops of bowel, trapping the intestinal wall between them. This pressure can lead to:

• Tissue damage (pressure necrosis)
• Bowel perforation
• Abnormal connections between organs (fistula formation)
• Bowel obstruction

Children may initially appear well, but symptoms can develop hours later as damage progresses.

Magnet ingestion requires urgent medical assessment, even if the child seems comfortable.

Magnets are found in many household items and toys. Keeping small magnetic objects out of reach of young children is one of the most important ways to prevent these injuries.

Every Child Has the Right to HealthHuman Rights Day is a reminder that access to healthcare is not a privilege. It is a ...
21/03/2026

Every Child Has the Right to Health

Human Rights Day is a reminder that access to healthcare is not a privilege. It is a right.

Every child deserves:

• Timely medical assessment

• Access to specialist care

• Clear information for their parents

• Safe surgical treatment when needed

• Compassion throughout their journey

Paediatric surgery is not only about technical skill; it's equally about protecting dignity, supporting families and advocating for children who cannot speak for themselves.

On Human Rights Day, we reaffirm our commitment to equitable, respectful and high-quality care for every child.

Caring for children does not end after a consultation or surgery. Families often need guidance and support at home, espe...
19/03/2026

Caring for children does not end after a consultation or surgery. Families often need guidance and support at home, especially during the early months of a child’s life.

Dr Cleo is pleased to recommend Sr Visagie, an experienced neonatal and paediatric nurse who supports parents through the important early stages of caring for their babies. In particular, she offers training to parents and caregivers in first aid as well as CPR for children.

From newborn care to feeding guidance and early development support, having the right advice can make a meaningful difference for families navigating those first months.

You can learn more about Sr Visagie and her services here:
https://abcbabycare.co.za/

Persistent vomiting in a newborn, especially within the first few days of life, can signal a blockage in the upper intes...
17/03/2026

Persistent vomiting in a newborn, especially within the first few days of life, can signal a blockage in the upper intestine.

Duodenal atresia is a congenital condition where part of the small intestine does not form properly, preventing milk from passing from the stomach into the bowel.

Babies may:

Vomit soon after feeds

Have a swollen upper abdomen

Struggle to tolerate milk

Diagnosis is confirmed with imaging, which shows that milk cannot move beyond the stomach.

Surgical correction connects the intestine properly, allowing normal feeding and growth.

Early recognition leads to excellent outcomes.

Ages and Paediatric HealthcareUntil what age does a paediatric surgeon see a child?Paediatric surgeons often care for pa...
13/03/2026

Ages and Paediatric Healthcare

Until what age does a paediatric surgeon see a child?

Paediatric surgeons often care for patients from birth until their later teens, 16 in the case of our practice. However, the transition isn't always strictly defined by a birthday.

Some teenagers continue follow-up into late adolescence, especially if they were born with congenital conditions or had complex surgery earlier in life.

In certain cases, young adults may still benefit from specialist paediatric input before transitioning to adult surgical healthcare.

Paediatric surgery is about more than simply the age of patients. It's about growth, development and understanding how conditions affect a child’s body over time.

Continuity of care matters, particularly when a condition has been present since birth.

If you're unsure whether your child should still be seen by a paediatric surgeon or not, it's always appropriate to ask.

Tracheo-oesophageal Fistula (TOF)Excessive drooling, choking during feeds and difficulty breathing in a newborn are not ...
12/03/2026

Tracheo-oesophageal Fistula (TOF)

Excessive drooling, choking during feeds and difficulty breathing in a newborn are not normal.

Tracheo-oesophageal fistula occurs when the oesophagus and windpipe are abnormally connected. In this case, milk enters the airway instead of the stomach.

Early diagnosis allows for prompt surgical correction and protects the lungs from damage.

In newborns, feeding difficulties always deserve careful evaluation.

When Infection Becomes SurgicalMost infections respond to antibiotics. Some, however, do not.Abscesses, deep tissue infe...
11/03/2026

When Infection Becomes Surgical

Most infections respond to antibiotics. Some, however, do not.

Abscesses, deep tissue infections or certain abdominal infections may require drainage or other surgical intervention.

Recognising when medication is no longer sufficient prevents complications and speeds recovery.

Timing matters when infection progresses.

Address

Suite 26B, 2nd Fl. Main Building Cnr Peter Place & Main Rd, Bryanston, Sandton
Johannesburg
2021

Telephone

+27114630443

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