We explain why the Grasse hospital now performs pediatric surgery

Closer, easier, more efficient. On June 10, the Grasse Hospital Center received authorization to perform pediatric surgery for children aged 3 to 15.

Since July, for digestive and urological procedures, there is no longer any need to go to Lenval Hospital in Nice: children are treated directly here by two pediatric surgeons.

One of them, Dr. Henri Steyaert, practiced for around twenty years at Lenval before becoming head of department and professor of pediatric surgery at the Free University of Brussels.

Now ready to retire, this enthusiast didn't hesitate when the Grasse hospital asked for his help in setting up this project. He gives us all the details.

What were the hospital's strengths in opening this service?

When we put together the application, we relied on two things: first, the hospital already had a pediatrics department. And second, it was fortunate to have anesthesiologists specialized in children on site. The facility therefore met the ARS [regional health agency] criteria.

What pathologies do you treat?

The most common anomalies in small children operated on in day hospitals are inguinal hernias ⁽¹⁾ , hydroceles ⁽²⁾ and non-descent of the testicles. And then there are all the penis problems: phimosis, when the foreskin cannot be pulled back, glans infections, and abnormalities of the urinary meatus.

You use virtual reality to help children relax...

Yes, before going to the operating room, we put a headset on them and they choose a world. They can be in the mountains or swimming with the fish, and we accompany them in their story by talking to them. That way, they don't even realize they're in the operating room. It reduces trauma and stress premedication.

What are the admission requirements?

Any parent can call the pediatrics office at 04.93.09.55.04 to make an appointment for a consultation.

Are there now also orthopedic consultations?

An orthopedist from Lenval comes here once a month for consultations. He doesn't operate here, but in Lenval, because the need for orthopedic equipment is enormous, very expensive, and they already have everything.

What are your goals?

Once the structure is well established and the new operating room is open by the end of the year, I hope we will be able to treat children from the age of one. We also want to develop dental care for autistic or multi-disabled children. Currently, I'm exaggerating, but we put them to sleep and pull their teeth because they move a lot and it's very difficult to treat them. Except in Marseille, there is no structure in the region that offers care to these children, but here, we will. Three dental surgeons will take turns between now and next January, the hospital must invest in the necessary equipment.

1. Congenital anomaly

2. Accumulation of fluid in a "pocket" surrounding the testicle.