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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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/

17/04/2026

Child Hernia Surgery: Keyhole or Open – How Should You Decide?

When your child is told they need hernia surgery, it can be confusing to hear different recommendations.

Some doctors may suggest open surgery. Others may offer keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery.

So how do you decide?

In some cases, if a child has a hernia on one side, open surgery treats only that side. But there is a chance, about 15%, that a hernia may develop on the other side later.

For girls especially, this becomes important.

With open surgery:

- The view is limited
- The surgeon cannot see inside the abdomen clearly
- There is a small risk of affecting nearby structures

With laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery:

- A camera allows us to see both sides clearly
- We can check important structures like the ovaries and fallopian tubes
- We only repair the other side if a hernia is actually present
- This avoids unnecessary surgery

This approach allows for better precision, better safety, and avoids future repeat operations.

Watch this video to understand the difference between open and keyhole hernia surgery, and why the approach matters for your child.

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.

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

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

13/04/2026

Keyhole Surgery Tools: What We Use for Child Hernia Repair

Many parents hear the term “keyhole surgery” but are not sure what it actually involves.

Before we begin a laparoscopic hernia repair, we prepare a set of specialised instruments designed for precision and safety in children.

These include:

- A port, which allows us to safely enter the abdomen
- A 30-degree camera (lens) to see clearly inside
- Fine instruments such as scissors, graspers, and a needle holder
- Additional supporting tools for the procedure

All of these are designed to work through very small openings. This is what allows us to perform surgery with minimal pain and faster recovery.

For a typical child hernia repair, the procedure takes about 20 minutes and is done using a small team working together.

Keyhole surgery is not just about smaller cuts. It is about better visibility, precision, and safety.

Watch this video to see the instruments used in laparoscopic surgery and understand how they help us perform safe and effective operations 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 was helpful, like and share it with other parents.

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

10/04/2026

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.

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/

08/04/2026

Hydrocele in Boys: Can It Be Treated with Keyhole Surgery?

Noticed swelling around your child’s testicle and wondering if it needs treatment?

In young boys, this is often due to a condition called hydrocele, which means there is fluid collecting around the te**is.

This happens because there is a small connection between the tummy and the sc***um. Fluid travels down through this pathway and collects around the testicle.

The treatment is straightforward. We close this connection so fluid can no longer pass down.

In many cases, this can be done using keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery.

Key points parents should know:

- Usually treated after 3 years of age
- Done as a day procedure
- Small incisions with quick recovery
- Safe and well-established approach

Once the connection is closed, the fluid stops collecting and the problem resolves.

Watch this video to understand what hydrocele is, when surgery is needed, and how keyhole surgery makes treatment simple and safe.

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

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

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

06/04/2026

Groin Lump in Your Child? Here’s What It Could Mean

Have you noticed a small bulge in your child’s groin that becomes more obvious when they cry or cough?

This is something parents should not ignore.

A lump that appears and disappears in the groin is often a sign of an inguinal hernia. It is one of the most common conditions we treat in children.

In paediatric surgery, two of the most common conditions we see are:

- Inguinal hernia (usually elective surgery)
- Appendicitis (usually emergency surgery)

Both of these can be treated using keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery. This approach uses small instruments and a camera, allowing for less pain and faster recovery.

If you notice a bulge that comes and goes, especially during crying or coughing, it is best to have your child assessed early.

Watch this video to understand the common surgical conditions in children and how keyhole surgery can help treat them safely.

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

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

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

03/04/2026

Premature Baby with Hernia: Why Early Keyhole Surgery Matters

When a baby is born premature, parents already go through a lot. So when another problem appears, like a groin lump, it can be very worrying.

In this case, a premature baby born at 28 weeks developed an inguinal hernia. The mother noticed that the baby was irritable and feeding poorly.

This happens because part of the intestine moves in and out of the hernia. It can cause discomfort and affect how the baby feeds.

Although the problem had been present for a few months, the baby was brought in for further assessment.

We proceeded with laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery.

This allowed us to:

- Repair the hernia with very small incisions
- Check both sides internally
- Fix a second developing hernia at the same time

In open surgery, usually only one side is repaired. The second side may only be discovered later, requiring another operation.

The procedure took about 30 minutes.

After surgery, the improvement was clear. The baby became less irritable and feeding improved quickly. Recovery was smooth and fast.

Even in premature babies, once they are stable and of suitable weight, keyhole surgery can be safely performed.

Watch this video to understand why inguinal hernia is common in premature babies and how laparoscopic surgery can prevent repeat operations.

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

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

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

30/03/2026

Appendicitis in Children: How This Young Girl Went Home Just 24hrs After Surgery...

When a child has sharp pain on the right side of the tummy, it can be worrying. One of the common causes we look for is appendicitis.

Recently, a young girl came in with this exact problem. She had clear pain in the lower right abdomen, and tests confirmed appendicitis.

She underwent laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery the same night.

The next morning, she was already up and moving around comfortably. Within 24 hours, she was well enough to go home.

This is one of the key advantages of keyhole surgery.

Compared to open surgery, it offers:

- Less pain after the operation
- Faster recovery
- Very small scars
- Earlier return to normal activity

Even in more complex cases, such as when the appendix has burst, laparoscopic surgery allows better visibility and more thorough treatment.

For parents, if your child is diagnosed with appendicitis, it is worth asking if keyhole surgery is an option.

Watch this video to understand how laparoscopic surgery helps children recover faster from appendicitis.

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

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

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

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27/03/2026

Undescended Te**es or Retractile Te**es? Not Every Child Needs Surgery

Parents often feel worried when they are told their child may need surgery, especially when it involves the te**es. But sometimes, what looks like a problem may actually be normal.

Recently, a mother brought her 12-month-old boy from Indonesia for a second opinion after being told he needed surgery for undescended te**es.

After examining him, I found that he did not have undescended te**es. He had retractile te**es, which is different.

In undescended te**es, the te**is cannot be brought down into the sc***um.

In retractile te**es, the te**is moves up and down because the muscle in young boys is very active. When the child is cold or frightened, the te**is goes up. When the child is relaxed or in a warm bath, it comes down. This is normal and often does not need surgery.

Because of this, the boy did not need an operation, and the family was able to return home reassured.

Not every child who comes to see a paediatric surgeon needs surgery. Sometimes the most important thing is a proper assessment and the confidence to say that everything is normal.

Watch this video to understand the difference between undescended te**es and retractile te**es, and why getting the right diagnosis can prevent unnecessary surgery.

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

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

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

25/03/2026

Hypospadias in Boys: Why This Little Boy Needed Two Operations

Some conditions in children are present from birth but may not be obvious to parents at first. One example is hypospadias, a condition affecting the p***s that may require surgical correction.

Hypospadias usually has three main features:

- The p***s may be bent (called chordee)
- The urine opening is not at the tip
- The fo****in looks incomplete or hooded

The opening can be slightly off, or in more severe cases it can be much lower, even near the sc***um. When the condition is more severe, repair may need to be done in two stages.

Recently, I treated a boy with severe hypospadias where the opening was very low and the p***s was significantly bent.

The first operation was done to straighten the p***s and prepare the tissue needed for reconstruction. After healing, the second stage was performed to create a new tube so that the urine opening could be placed at the tip.

Although this sounds complex, the outcome can be very good when the repair is done properly. With the right technique and proper care after surgery, most boys recover well and achieve a normal appearance and function.

Watch this video to understand what hypospadias is, why some children need staged repair, and what parents should expect from treatment.

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

If this patient story 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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Dr Nada Sudhakaran - Your Child’s Paediatric Surgeon

Dr Nada Sudhakaran is a consultant Paediatric Surgeon who provides specialized children surgery.

His clinics are located at Pantai Hospital KL and Gleneagles KL. However, he also operates from Tung Shin Hospital KL and Sentosa Hospital Klang.

He completed all his training in the UK, this included working at the world-renowned Great Ormond Street Hospital for Sick Children, London. Prior to bringing his expertise to KL, he worked as a Consultant Paediatric Surgeon at St Georges Hospital, London.

Dr Nada has extensive experience in reconstructive paediatric surgery, with a special interest in minimally invasive surgery (keyhole surgery) Dr Nada has been involved with teaching these techniques to trainee surgeons for the Royal College of Surgeons, London and is now involved with training, here in Malaysia for the masters program in Paediatric Surgery.