Description of the speciality and the Service:

The official designation of Paediatric Surgery is established by Royal Decree 127/84, requiring a degree in Medicine and Surgery as an essential prerequisite to exercise this speciality.

Paediatric Surgery involves the application of medical-surgical knowledge and expertise throughout the developmental stages of human life, from conception to the end of adolescence. Comprehensive understanding of both fundamental surgical principles and paediatrics must therefore be acquired during medical residency training, forming the essential knowledge base for this speciality. This field covers all aspects of surgery.

During the early 20th century, children's surgery emerged as a distinct field independent of adult general surgery, with a specific focus on addressing the unique needs of growing and developing organisms. This marked the beginning of a period of remarkable achievements and survival, making it the branch of surgery that has witnessed the most significant advancements in the past century.

Paediatric Surgery encompasses the entire spectrum of surgical conditions affecting children, ranging from conception to 18 years of age.

The Service counts on 4 highly experienced paediatric surgeons. It is currently organised into Paediatric General Surgery, Paediatric Urology, Paediatric Thoracic Surgery, and Minimally Invasive Surgery. A neonatal surgery section and a robotic surgery section are also planned.