Timing of surgery for common pediatric surgical conditions.

Depending upon various factors the surgical procedures in childhood are divided into three groups--immediate, intermediate and elective. The timing of surgery is probably the most important factor governing the outcome of surgical correction in pediatric surgery. With continuing research and clinical experience our understanding of the various conditions have improved and with that has come a change in the optimum timing of many surgical procedures. This paper highlights the best timing of surgery for some of the commoner pediatric surgical procedures and the reasons behind these so that the children may be referred to pediatric surgeons in time.