Dr Nada Child Surgeon

26/02/2026

Paediatric Appendicitis: What Can Go Wrong If It’s Mismanaged?

Appendicitis is one of the most common emergency surgeries I see in children. Most cases are treated well. But over the years, I have also seen children who came to me after complications elsewhere.

The most common problem is delayed diagnosis.

When appendicitis is missed, the appendix can burst. Once that happens, infection spreads inside the abdomen. Recovery becomes longer and more complicated.

Another issue I’ve seen is incomplete treatment after open surgery. If infection inside the abdomen is not properly cleared, children can develop collections of pus that require further treatment.

In rare situations, part of the appendix may be left behind. When that happens, pain can return weeks later. The child then needs another operation to remove the remaining portion.

The key lesson is simple: early diagnosis and proper surgical management matter.

As a parent, you know your child best. If abdominal pain is persistent and not settling, trust your instincts. Get your child assessed early, ideally by a paediatric surgeon experienced in laparoscopic surgery.

Watch this video to understand the risks of delayed or incomplete treatment of appendicitis, and what parents should look out for.

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

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

https://www.drnadachildsurgeon.com/

24/02/2026

Paediatric Appendicitis Surgery: Is It Covered by Insurance?

One of the first questions parents ask after hearing their child needs surgery is this: “Will insurance cover it?”

In most cases, yes. Appendicitis is generally covered under medical insurance policies.

That is why I strongly recommend having medical insurance for children. Conditions like appendicitis happen suddenly. When they do, you want to focus on your child, not worry about hospital bills.

Costs can vary depending on the hospital.

In the Klang Valley:

- At Assunta Hospital, it may be around RM15,000
- In some other private hospitals, it can go up to RM25,000

The exact amount depends on the hospital and the complexity of the case.

Planning ahead makes a big difference.

Watch this video to understand insurance coverage for appendicitis, why preparation matters, and what parents should consider.

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

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

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

20/02/2026

Puberty in Boys: What Parents Should Expect

Around nine or ten years old, boys start to go through changes. Some are physical. Some are emotional. And for many families, it can feel confusing at first.

You may notice:

- Testicular growth or mild discomfort
- Hair growth in the p***c area and armpits
- Early moustache hair
- Oily skin and pimples
- Body odour
- Occasional erections that may cause embarrassment

These changes are normal. Every boy goes through them.

Some boys may feel shy. Some may feel anxious. Others may talk to their friends instead of their parents. That is part of growing up.

What matters most is keeping communication open. Let your son know that these changes are natural. Reassure him that nothing is wrong. When children feel safe asking questions, they worry less.

Conversations should start early. Around nine to ten years old is a good time to begin. The earlier we normalise these changes, the less stress they feel.

Watch this video to understand the early signs of puberty in boys and how to support your child through this stage with confidence and calm guidance.

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

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

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

19/02/2026

Appendicitis in Children: How Long Does Recovery Take?

One of the biggest worries parents have is this: “Will my child be okay after appendicitis?”

The good news is that the overall outlook is excellent.

Most children come in with early appendicitis. Once the appendix is removed, recovery is usually very fast. Many children are back to normal within two to three days. Running and regular activities often resume within one to two weeks.

The recovery is longer only if the appendix has already burst.

If it is perforated:

- Hospital stay may be around five days
- Antibiotics are needed
- Full return to normal activities may take three to four weeks

That is why early diagnosis matters. Treating appendicitis before it perforates keeps recovery short and smooth.

Watch this video to understand what to expect after appendicitis surgery and why timing makes such a difference.

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

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

https://www.drnadachildsurgeon.com/

19/02/2026

Puberty can feel confusing for both parents and children.

When is it too early?
When is it too late?
What changes are normal, and what should raise concern?

I recently spoke with to answer common questions parents ask about puberty. In the article, we cover:

• The first signs of puberty in boys and girls
• What age is considered normal
• Early puberty and when it needs medical attention
• Emotional and physical changes parents should expect
• How to support your child during this transition

Puberty is a natural stage of development. But knowing what is normal and what is not can make a big difference. The right information helps you stay calm, confident and prepared.

If you are navigating this stage with your child, I encourage you to read the full article here:
https://www.makchic.com/ask-the-experts-with-dr-jerilee-azhary-and-dr-nadarajan-sudhakaran-all-about-puberty/

If you have concerns about your child’s development, do not ignore your instincts. Early assessment can provide reassurance or timely treatment if needed.

Dr. Nada Sudhakaran is a leading paediatric surgeon in Kuala Lumpur, specialising in minimally invasive laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery for children. He is available at Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur and Assunta Hospital.

Dr. Nada Sudhakaran is a leading paediatric surgeon in Kuala Lumpur & Petaling Jaya (Malaysia), specialising in minimally invasive laparoscopic (keyhole) and thoracoscopic surgery for children.

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

Navigating puberty with your tweens or teens can be one of the most challenging experiences for families. Click for indicators and tips.

16/02/2026

Appendicitis Surgery: Keyhole vs Open – Which is Better?

When a child is diagnosed with appendicitis, surgery is necessary. The goal is simple. Remove the appendix before it worsens or bursts, and prevent infection from spreading.

There are two main ways to remove the appendix.

The traditional method is open surgery. This involves a larger cut on the lower right side of the abdomen. While effective, visibility inside the abdomen is limited.

The method I prefer is laparoscopic or keyhole surgery.

With keyhole surgery:

- Small ports are used instead of one large cut
- A camera gives a clear view inside the entire abdomen
- Instruments allow laser-like precise movement
- Pus or infection can be washed out thoroughly if the appendix has burst

This approach works for both early appendicitis and perforated cases.

One major advantage is visibility. With laparoscopy, we can see from top to bottom. That means if infection has spread under the diaphragm or into the pelvis, it can be cleared properly. With open surgery, visibility is more limited.

For complex or perforated appendicitis, this difference matters.

Watch this video to understand why surgery is essential in appendicitis and how keyhole surgery compares to open surgery.

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

If this helped you understand the options better, like and share it with other parents.

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

13/02/2026

When parents hear the word “surgery”, the biggest fear is usually this:

How painful will it be?
How big will the scar be?
How long will my child be in hospital?

This infographic compares traditional open surgery vs keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery so you can clearly see the difference.

With traditional open surgery:

• A larger incision is made
• There is usually more post-operative pain
• Scarring is more visible
• Hospital stay is often longer

With keyhole (minimally invasive) surgery:

• Small incisions are used
• Pain after surgery is significantly reduced
• Scarring is minimal
• Children recover faster and return to normal activities sooner

Both approaches are safe and effective when done properly. Open surgery is still necessary in certain situations.

But when a condition like appendicitis, hernia, or some cysts can be treated using keyhole techniques, the benefits for your child can be significant thanks to its laser-like precision:

Less pain.
Smaller scars.
Faster recovery.

As a parent, recognising early warning signs such as persistent tummy pain, vomiting, groin swelling, or unusual urinary symptoms allows us to intervene early and choose the best treatment option.

If you are unsure whether your child needs surgery, come in for an assessment. The right decision starts with the right diagnosis.

Dr. Nada Sudhakaran is a leading paediatric surgeon at Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur & Assunta Hospital Petaling Jaya (Malaysia), specialising in minimally invasive laparoscopic (keyhole) and thoracoscopic surgery for children.

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

12/02/2026

Appendicitis Surgery in Children: What Actually Happens in the Operating Room?

Hearing that your child needs surgery can feel overwhelming. Many parents immediately worry about pain, big scars, and long hospital stays.

The good news is that most appendicitis cases today are treated using keyhole surgery.

The laparoscopic procedure is done under general anaesthesia. A parent can accompany the child into the operating theatre while they go to sleep with a mask. Once asleep, the anaesthetist places the IV line and breathing tube safely.

The surgery itself depends on how early the appendicitis is.

If it is early:

- A small camera and two tiny instruments are inserted
- The appendix is removed
- The procedure can take about 20 minutes

If the appendix has burst:

- The appendix is removed
- The infection and pus inside the tummy are washed out thoroughly
- Surgery takes longer and recovery is slower

There is usually:

- One small cut inside the belly button, about 1 cm
- Two tiny cuts about 3 mm each
- Skin is closed with glue, not stitches

Recovery is often fast. If treated early, most children can go home the next day once they are eating, drinking, and moving around. More complex cases may need a few days of antibiotics in hospital.

Watch this video to understand step by step how laparoscopic appendicitis surgery is done, what your child will experience, and what recovery looks like.

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

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

https://www.drnadachildsurgeon.com/

10/02/2026

Appendicitis in Children: The Signs Parents Should Never Ignore

If your child keeps pointing to pain on the lower right side of the tummy and it just will not go away, that is something to take seriously. Persistent pain in this area is one of the most important warning signs of appendicitis.

Appendicitis is an emergency. When the appendix becomes inflamed, the pain does not settle on its own. If treatment is delayed, the appendix can burst and spill infection into the tummy. When that happens, children become much sicker and recovery takes much longer.

Early treatment makes a big difference. When appendicitis is treated before it bursts, surgery is simpler and children usually recover much faster.

Common symptoms to watch for include:

- Pain on the lower right side of the abdomen that does not go away
- Mild fever
- Nausea
- Pain that worsens with walking, moving the right leg, or going over bumps in a car

If your child has these symptoms, treat it as an emergency and get them checked as soon as possible.

Watch this video to understand the early symptoms of appendicitis, why timing matters, and how doctors assess children quickly and safely.

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

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

https://www.drnadachildsurgeon.com/

10/02/2026

Cutting edge laparoscopic paediatric hernia repair is now much more afforadable at Assunta Hospital Malaysia.

To understand more about Inguinal Hernia problems in children and how laparoscopic surgery helps do check out my article linked inthe first comment below 👇

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

05/02/2026

When Is Tummy Pain In Children An Emergency?

Tummy pain is very common in children. Most of the time, it is linked to food, a mild tummy bug, constipation, or not drinking enough fluids. Many children go through this, and it usually settles with simple care at home.

But there are moments when tummy pain is no longer normal and needs urgent attention.

Be extra careful if your child has:

- Severe tummy pain that does not get better
- Pain that keeps getting worse
- A swollen or bloated tummy
- Fever that does not come down with paracetamol
- Vomiting, especially if it turns green

Green vomit is a red flag. It can point to a blockage in the intestines and should never be ignored.

If you see these warning signs, do not wait it out. Getting your child checked early can make a big difference.

Watch this video to learn how to tell the difference between common tummy pain and signs of a real emergency, and when it is time to see a doctor or go to the emergency department.

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

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

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

14/01/2026

Dr Nada featured in Sin Chew newspaper about the benefits of Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) for children and their parents.

Full article link in comments below.

"Over the years, paediatric minimally invasive surgery has significantly transformed the surgical journey for children. From inguinal hernias to hepatobiliary, urological, gastrointestinal conditions and lung malformations, laparoscopic and thoracoscopic techniques have not only reduced surgical trauma and pain, but also accelerated recovery and lowered complication rates.

Minimally invasive surgery allows children to recover more quickly both physically and psychologically, while parents experience less anxiety. These advances represent a major leap forward in paediatric surgical care, offering children safer, more comfortable, and higher-quality treatment."