A STUDY ON MORE THAN 20 YEARS OF POSTOPERATIVE FOLLOW-UP IN PEDIATRIC SURGICAL CASES

There have been very few postoperative follow-up studies from the aspect of philosophical anthropology in the field of pediatric surgery. Fifty patients who underwent surgery either during the neonatal period or infancy and have been receiving medical treatment or consultation for more than 20 years in Juntendo University Hospital and Katsunan Hospital, were investigated from the aspect of philosophical anthropology. During adolescence or young adulthood, 52% of the patients were suffering from their medical problems. Forty percent of patients were bullied by their peers during their elementary school age due to various medical problems. As patients became adolescents or young adults, 20% of them started to feel that others were prejudiced against them or they were discriminated against when going to school or looking for a job. About 30% of patients who were of elementary school age and of adolescent or adult age, were introverted and short-tempered. Eighteen percent of the patients who were of elementary school age and adolescent or young adult age, were not satisfied with their family, particularly their parents, because of their medical problems. When patients became adults, 40% were not satisfied with their own society, particularly with others in their working place. More than 80% of patients who were of preschool age were shielded from their medical problems by their parents. As they became older, their parents were not always able to cover up their medical problems, but understanding school teachers and their elders were able to shield some of patients from social ridicule. By learning the results of this study, it is important for pediatric surgeons to minimize postoperative medical problems, giving proper surgery and postoperative care. Pediatric surgeons should become very supportive medical doctors to patients who suffer from postoperative medical problems. © 1990 W.B. Saunders Company.