The Age of Choice for Operations of Choice in Infancy and Childhood

Abstract

Summary While we do not wish to give the impression that necessary surgical procedures should be postponed merely because of the early age of the patient, we firmly believe that there should be a very clear indication for any surgery done during the first two years of a child's life. Though the incidental dangers of surgery at this time are relatively great, with proper and careful technic they can be greatly diminished. But these dangers cannot be disregarded and must be carefully weighed against the actual necessity for the surgical procedure. Some operative procedures now done during the first two years of life have little or no surgical indication. Certainly in infants and young children unnecessary surgery is bad surgery.