Our Services
Specialist Paediatric Surgeon in Mthatha
What we do
Our Services
Dr Mfuneko Kopolo is involved in all spheres of general Paediatric surgical care, he maintains a special interest in surgical oncology and neonatal surgery.
Gastro-oesophageal conditions
Gastroesophageal reflux disease is most common in children who are under the age of 2 years. Dr Kopolo may recommend feeding tubes and surgery to treat Gastroesophageal reflux disease, especially if the child is not gaining weight, has frequent breathing problems and has severe irritation in the oesophagus.
Intestinal conditions
Paediatric Intestinal Conditions include Appendicitis, Intussusception, Short Bowel Syndrome, and Hirschsprung's Disease. Intestinal disorders can result from a number of conditions. Each condition has its own cause and average age of diagnosis. They can be found in the small or large intestine only, or in both. Symptoms will appear at various ages, locations and range in severity.
Liver and bile duct pathologies
When nothing prevents our to we like best, The liver produces bile which will then be stored in the gallbladder while eating. Bile ducts are drainage pipes that are responsible for carrying bile from the liver to the gallbladder to the small intestine. There are different types of conditions that may affect the liver and bile ducts.
Hernias (inguinal/ umbilical)
An inguinal (groin) hernia occurs when an opening is present in the abdominal wall in the groin area through which a sac protrudes from the abdomen (belly). A child with this hernia needs to be seen by a Paediatric Surgeon as soon as it is discovered. Surgery can correct the hernia. Urgent assessment by your child’s Paediatric Surgeon is necessary to manage further complications, and an emergency surgical repair may be needed.
Paediatric urology
Paediatric urology including Circumcision, Undescended testicles. During pregnancy, the little one's testes descend into the scrotum before childbirth. One or both the testes may remain in the pelvic cavity or groin and not descend into the scrotum. This condition is called undescended testes, also known as cryptorchism. Surgery is recommended to correct this condition and prevent abnormal function of the testes
Paediatric endocrine pathologies
Paediatric endocrine pathologies encompass a wide range of conditions affecting hormone production and function in children including Growth disorders , Diabetes , Thyroid problems, Puberty issues, Adrenal gland disorders. The majority of endocrine pathologies are usually managed medically but may on occasion require surgical assessment if a growth or nodule is found.
Paediatric gynaecology
The gynaecological assessment of girls requires particular care to avoid infliction of trauma & physical pain. Depending on the diagnosis each case will be treated differently to try and ensure the best possible outcome for your child. These conditions include: Genital trauma, vagina (vaginal atresia), imperforate hymen, tumours of the vagina. Genital trauma is also possible and both intentional and accidental injuries may occur.
Soft tissue infections
Skin and soft tissue infections can occur anywhere on a child’s body and may range in appearance from a rash to a large abscess/ dead tissue.
Many of these can be treated by your GP and paediatrician with antibiotics, however if tissue needs to be removed or an abscess needs to be drained your child will require surgery. If your child has a suspected skin infection, it is wise to consult a doctor immediately to ensure it is managed appropriately
Paediatric trauma
Harm or damage to a child’s or adolescent’s physical structure brought on by an outside force, such as a fall, a car accident, or physical violence. It can result in minor wounds like scrapes and bruises or severe wounds, including head trauma, broken bones, and internal organ damage. The most common cause of traumatic injuries in children include drowning, car accidents, burns, falls, and sports-related injuries.
Surgical oncology
Solid organ tumours most commonly treated with surgery include tumours of the: Kidney, Nerve tissue, Muscle tissue. Childhood cancers are abnormal tissue growth that occurs in children who are 0 months to 13 years. These cancers may occur anywhere in the body, including the blood, bones, brain and lymph node system. Tumours may be cancerous (malignant) or benign (noncancerous). Malignant tumours may grow and spread to other parts of the body.
Vascular Access
Vascular access refers to the insertion of a catheter device into a blood vessel to allow us to administer medications. There are many different types of vascular access devices and many different reasons your child may require a vascular access procedure. These include vascular access for: Chemotherapy, Parenteral Nutrition, Difficult access in chronically ill children who require medications/ blood tests, Trauma, Monitoring in ICU.
Tongue Tie
A tongue tie is when the lingual frenulum (between the tongue and floor of the mouth) extends close to the tip of the tongue and prevents the tongue from moving normally. This is present from birth and may result in difficulties breastfeeding or latching. If your child has symptoms from a tongue tie, the frenulum can be divided and the tongue tie released. In infants this procedure is done in the rooms, while older children will require a procedure in theatre.