Pediatrics at UPMC Salvator Mundi International Hospital

UPMC Salvator Mundi International Hospital offers a pediatric service for diagnosis, study, and treatment (also surgical, when required) of pediatric diseases. Children require targeted and sensitive care: at our Center we understand their unique health care needs and make sure that visits, hospital stay, and plan of care are as least traumatic as possible for our young patients. The safety and wellbeing of children are our priority, and we take all necessary precautions to ensure they receive adequate and comfortable care.

Pediatric Care

We offer specialized care for a wide range of pediatric conditions including eye, urogenital, orthopaedic, and dermatology diseases. These conditions can present during early childhood or later, some are the result of congenital malformations present from birth, others can develop later. In order to ensure the best diagnosis and care we emphasize the importance of regular visits for children. Early diagnosis allows us to provide targeted and timely care, while preserving the health and wellbeing of our young patients. Our priority is to ensure all children receive quality care, allowing them to enjoy a healthy and happy growth.

Pediatric Ophthalmology

Correcting vision system disorders is especially crucial in the early years of life, as the eye system is still developing. Accurate and early diagnosis is essential to ensure a complete resolution of a disease. Early detection and treatment of vision problems in children can help prevent future complications and allow them to develop a normal, healthy vision.

Some of the most common pediatric vision disorders:

• Amblyopia. A vision condition, usually reversible, in which the visual function of one eye is reduced or absent.
• Strabismus. A condition present from birth in which the eyes are out of line relative to one another.
• Congenital ptosis. A condition that affects the levator muscle of the upper eyelid. Its lack of development during embryonic life prevents the normal opening of the eye.
• Retinoblastoma. A malignant ocular tumor that affects the retina and is caused by a genetic mutation.

Meet our Pediatric Ophthalmologists at UPMC Salvator Mundi International Hospital.

Pediatric Urology

Early diagnosis and care of urological diseases is of fundamental importance to prevent repercussions on the urogenital system and reduce the risk of compromising future fertility. Many urology disorders can be treated successfully if diagnosed early and managed appropriately.

Some of the most common pediatric urogenital disorders:

• Hypospadias one of the most common congenital anomalies of the penis. In patients suffering from this condition, the outlet of the urethra is not localized at the apex of the glans but is located on the ventral face of the penis or, in more severe cases, in the scrotum or perineum. This makes erect urination impossible and, in adults, leads to a painful erection. This requires surgical treatment.
• Cryptorchidism occurs when the descent of one or both testicles is either incomplete or missing. Surgery involves a small incision in the groin. This is a quick procedure that allows patients to be discharged a few hours after surgery.
• Inguinal hernia is one of the most common surgical diseases in childhood. It is found in 3-4% of the child population, more frequently in boys.  It is a congenital condition that presents during childhood as a result of daily efforts or activities.
• Phimosis is a condition characterized by the impossibility of sliding the foreskin on the glans. In newborns and infants this is so frequent that it is considered physiological and tends to resolve spontaneously with growth. This can be treated with different approaches in day surgery.
• Funicular hydrocele and cyst extroflexion of the peritoneum that covers the inside of the abdominal cavity. In males, it accompanies the testicle in its descent towards the scrotum. In females, it accompanies the round ligament of the uterus towards the labia majora. While this structure disappears naturally during the first months of life, is some cases it is necessary to intervene surgically.
• Varicocele is a condition that affects the male genitalia. It is characterized by the dilation of the veins inside the scrotum that carry venous blood from the testicles to the heart. It is caused by the loss of function of the valves present in the internal spermatic vein. This involves an increase in the volume of the scrotum and can initially present with a small bluish stain in the upper part of the scrotum. Diagnosis is based on clinical assessment and may be associated with an echo-color-Doppler ultrasound. In order to preserve fertility in adult age, this condition is treated with sclerotherapy or surgery, or with a mixed technique.
• Cysts, fistulas, umbilical hernia.
• Urinary functional disorders such as enuresis, unstable bladder, and neurological bladder.
• Complex anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract including bladder-ureteral, primary and secondary megaureter, and pyeloureteral junction syndrome.

Meet the Pediatric Urologists at UPMC Salvator Mundi International Hospital.

Pediatric Orthopaedic Care

Our Pediatric Orthopaedics Department offers a valuable opportunity for early intervention, diagnosis and resolution of various orthopaedic disorders affecting children. These conditions can present at birth, develop during growth, or be the result of trauma. At our Center, children will find a friendly environment, in order to minimize any trauma related to the situation. We offer specialized care to ensure comprehensive support from diagnosis to treatment, including surgery if necessary, and rehabilitation.

Some of the most common pediatric orthopaedic disorders:

• Developmental orthopaedic diseases.
• Perthes disease.
• Hip disorders such as epiphysiolysis of the hip, and congenital hip dysplasia.
• Congenital clubfoot.
• Flat feet.
• Axial deviations.
• Ankle disorders.
• Patella disorders.
• Fractures and dislocations of the upper and lower limbs.
• Benign tumors and pseudotumors.
• Sports injuries and trauma.

Meet the Pediatric Orthopaedists at UPMC Salvator Mundi International Hospital.

Pediatric Services We Provide

We are committed to providing quality care sensitive and attentive to the needs of our young patients, in order to ensure the best possible growth and a healthy and pleasant future.

At our Center, we offer specialized care to ensure comprehensive support from diagnosis to treatment, and in postoperative steps.

Our ophthalmology specialists provide plans of care starting with newborn screening and including periodic pediatric eye consults. This allows us to monitor your child's health and the development of his or her vision system.

Our urology and pediatric surgery specialists are dedicated to treating urology conditions with surgery, often in Day Hospital, with the precious support of our pediatric anesthesiologists.

Our pediatric services are addressed to all parents requesting early screening of their newborns, recognizing the importance of promptly detecting any eye or urogenital disorder. We offer targeted care and interventions for congenital conditions, with the goal to improve the health and wellbeing of children from the first years of life.

Other Pediatric Services

UPMC Salvator Mundi International Hospital also offers care for other pediatric conditions in the following areas:

• Dermatology.
• Ear-Nose-Throat.

Our Doctors

• Prof. Pietro Costa
• Dr. Vincenzo Fierimonte
• Prof. G. Antonio Marrocco
• Dr. Maria Teresa Meiattini
• Dr. Rita Wietrzykowska Sforza

Pediatrics at UPMC

Learn more about pediatrics at UPMC.