Children in an Operational Environment: Forward Surgical Teams Caring for Pediatric Patients

Despite the clear focus on medical and surgical management of adult patients in any combat or deployed experience, military providers may be required to provide similar treatment for pediatric patients. Military surgeons may treat pediatric patients in a combat/trauma setting or during humanitarian evolutions that may encompass a wide variety of clinical scenarios ranging from congenital anomalies to traumatic injuries. The general surgeon will be called upon to provide initial stabilization and management of injuries or to assist local surgeons with the management of chronic medical conditions. A basic understanding of pediatric patients and how management of surgical conditions is similar or different when compared to adult patients is therefore important for every deployed surgeon and surgical team.