Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Treatments & Drugs (2/3)


Surgery
Ideally, deformities and fusion of the hands and feet can be prevented with daily protective wrapping. However, repeated blistering and scarring can cause deformities such as fusing of the fingers or toes or abnormal bends in the joints (contractures). Doctors may recommend surgery to correct these deformities especially if they interfere with normal motion.
Blistering and scarring of the ‘esophagus’ may lead to esophageal narrowing, making eating difficult. Surgery to widen (dilate) the esophagus may be needed. Using light sedation, the surgeon positions a small balloon in the esophagus and inflates it to dilate the area.
To improve nutrition and help with weight gain, a tube (gastrostomy tube) may be implanted to deliver food directly to the stomach. Feedings through the tube may be delivered overnight using a pump. Eating through the mouth is continued if possible so that the child will be able to eat with others for normal socializing.

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