Paediatrics & Neonatology
Welcome to the Department of Paediatrics & Neonatology at Aster MIMS Kottakkal, a premier pediatric healthcare destination in North Kerala. Renowned for our compassionate, child-friendly environment and top-tier medical services, we are dedicated to the comprehensive care of neonates, children, and adolescents. Designed like an independent hospital, this centre has an outpatient wing, an inpatient wing, level 3 paediatric & neonatal intensive care units, dedicated paediatric surgery suites, state-of-the-art imaging facilities, a rehabilitation wing and a 24-hour emergency wing to handle all paediatric emergencies.
The world-class team of doctors here comprises highly experienced Paediatricians, Neonatologists, Paediatric Intensivists and experts from various paediatric specialities. Multidisciplinary in approach, they provide high-quality, evidence-based treatment to patients with the support of trained paediatric and neonatal Nurses, Therapists and Technicians.
Our Specialities
Paediatrics
Welcome to the Paediatrics department at Aster MIMS, Kottakkal. Paediatrics is the branch of medicine that focuses on the health and well-being of children from birth to adolescence. Paediatricians are trained to diagnose, treat, and prevent childhood illnesses, injuries, and developmental issues. Our team of compassionate paediatricians and healthcare professionals is dedicated to providing comprehensive and personalised care for children from infancy through adolescence. At Aster MIMS, Kottakkal, we believe in delivering family-centred care that addresses the unique needs of each child and supports their overall growth and development.Neonatology
Welcome to the Neonatology department at Aster MIMS, Kottakkal. Our team, led by renowned neonatologist Dr. Binesh Balachandran, provides specialised newborn care in our state-of-the-art 28-bedded Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). With expertise in managing a wide range of neonatal conditions, we are committed to ensuring the health and well-being of our tiniest babies during their critical early days of life. Our compassionate and skilled neonatal care team works tirelessly to provide comprehensive, family-centred care that supports both the medical needs of our newborns and the emotional needs of their families. Aster MIMS Kottakkal functions as a centre that offers neonatology training for paediatricians.Our Services
Management of all medical and surgical neonatal babies.
Care of preterm babies(from 22 weeks GA) and extremely low birth weight babies.
Perinatal Care Services.
An NRP-certified team attends to all deliveries.
Prenatal family counselling of all high-risk antenatal cases (Genetic counselling if indicated)
Advanced Neonatal Care.
Non Invasive Ventilation
Advanced ventilation, including HFOV and INO
Total parenteral nutrition
Neonatal Transport/High-risk neonate retrieval service
Paediatric Critical Care
Welcome to the Paediatric Critical Care department at Aster MIMS, Kottakkal. Under the leadership of expert paediatric intensivists Dr. Sreenivas Kaushik and Dr. Suhaila Kareem, our team provides excellent care for critically ill children in our advanced 10-bed pediatric intensive Care Unit (PICU). With specialised training and experience managing a wide range of pediatric emergencies and life-threatening conditions, our team is committed to delivering compassionate and comprehensive care to every child in need. Our PICU is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and staffed by highly skilled nurses and support staff who work tirelessly to ensure the best possible outcomes for our young patients. At Aster MIMS, Kottakkal, we are committed to providing children with the highest standard of care during their most vulnerable moments.Paediatric Surgery
Welcome to the Paediatric Surgery department at Aster MIMS, Kottakkal, where your child's health and well-being are our top priority. All surgical conditions in children (from the neonatal period till 18) are treated in the department except neurosurgical and cardiac conditions. The paediatric and Neonatal Surgery Unit is Led by renowned Paediatric surgeon Dr. Roshan Snehith. He is an expert in Neonatal Surgeries and Advanced Laparoscopic surgeries, particularly in Paediatric Urology. We provide holistic care to infants, children, and adolescents with surgical needs. Our dedicated team is equipped with the latest technology and infrastructure to handle a wide range of paediatric surgical procedures, from neonatal and General Paediatric surgery to paediatric Gastrosurgery and paediatric Urological Procedures. We strive to provide Minimal incisions, the least surgical stress and early recovery post-surgery. We provide Day Care services for many conditions by following the ERAS protocol.Our Services:
Neonatal Surgeries- Including Laparotomy for Bowel atresia/ NEC/ IHPS/ CDH/ CPAM/ Surgeries for Ano Rectal Malformation/ Polydactyl excision/ Intra abdominal cyst/ Ovarian torsion
Paediatric Laparoscopy(Key Hole Surgery)
Paediatric Urology-Hydro nephrosis, UDT, VUR, ureterocele, UTI evaluation, Nocturesis evaluation, Hypospadias surgery
Paediatric Surgical Oncology-Wilms tumour, Neuroblastoma, SPEN, Teratomas.
Paediatric Gastrointestinal Surgery-Choledochal cyst, Cholecystitis, IHPS/ Meckels diverticulum, AC appendicitis, SIAO, Intraabdominal cysts., Duplication of bowel.
Paediatric Ano-Colo-Rectal Surgery- ASARP/ PSARP/ PSARVUP.
Paediatric Hepatobiliary And Pancreatic Surgery- CDC excision, pancreatic tumours, GB stones
Antenatal Counselling – Pregnant Mother with scans showing fetuses with Hydro nephrosis /Bowel atresia/ CDH/ TEF/
General Paediatric Surgery-Hernia/TG cyst excision/ hydrocele/ Tongue Tie/ Branchial cyst/fistula / Circumcision / Ear piercing/Vaginal Synechai /Constipation/Ovarian cyst/All congenital cyst excisions.
We handle All Trauma /Road Traffic Accidents in children.
Paediatric Cardiology
Welcome to the Paediatric Cardiology department at Aster MIMS, Kottakkal. Our dedicated team of paediatric cardiologists, led by renowned experts like Dr Rema Devi, is committed to providing comprehensive care for children with heart conditions. From congenital heart defects to acquired heart diseases, we specialise in diagnosing and treating a wide range of cardiac issues in infants, children, and adolescents.Paediatric Gastroenterology
Welcome to the Paediatric Gastroenterology & Hepatology department at Aster MIMS, Kottakkal, where we specialise in diagnosing and treating a wide range of digestive and liver disorders in children from newborns to 17 years of age. As a significant subspecialty of paediatrics, paediatric gastroenterology focuses on managing conditions affecting the gut, liver, pancreas, and nutritional abnormalities, often requiring a multidisciplinary approach.Our department provides comprehensive care for children with various gastrointestinal and liver disorders, including:
Functional gastrointestinal disorders such as constipation, dyspepsia, and functional abdominal pain
Nutrition and growth issues, including failure to thrive and malabsorption syndromes like cystic fibrosis and celiac disease
Swallowing disorders and feeding issues, particularly in neurologically impaired children
Chronic diarrhoea, protein-losing enteropathies, and allergic and eosinophilic diseases of the gut
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), caustic ingestion, and foreign body ingestion
Upper and lower gastrointestinal bleeding, including oesophagal varices and polyps
Luminal GI diseases, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis), and achalasia and other motor disorders
Pediatric cholestatic liver disease, metabolic liver disorders, genetic conditions affecting the liver, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, acute and chronic hepatitis, and gallbladder diseases like gallstones
Acute and chronic pancreatitis
We offer various endoscopy services for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, including upper endoscopy, colonoscopy, flex sigmoidoscopy, foreign body removal, stricture dilation, achalasia balloon dilation, variceal bleed management, polypectomy, and Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube placement. Motility studies such as oesophagal manometry and anorectal manometry are also available.
Paediatric Neurology
Welcome to the Paediatric Neurology department at Aster MIMS, Kottakkal, where we specialise in diagnosing and managing conditions affecting children's central and peripheral nervous systems. Led by a team of expert paediatric neurologists, we are dedicated to providing compassionate care for children with a wide range of neurological disorders.
Our department caters to children affected by various conditions, including cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism spectrum and neurodevelopmental disorders, neurometabolic and genetic disorders, headaches, and neuromuscular conditions such as spinal muscular atrophy and Duchenne muscular dystrophy. We understand the unique needs of each child and offer personalised treatment plans tailored to their specific condition and requirements.
In addition to outpatient services, our department provides comprehensive inpatient care and intensive care unit support for critical conditions such as status epilepticus, meningoencephalitis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and more. Our multidisciplinary team works collaboratively to ensure that each child receives the highest standard of care, addressing their medical needs and supporting their families throughout their journey.Paediatric Endocrinology
Welcome to the Paediatric Endocrinology department at Aster MIMS, Kottakkal. Our dedicated team of paediatric endocrinologists specialises in the diagnosis and management of hormone-related disorders in children and adolescents. Endocrinology deals with hormones impacting growth, development, and overall health. Our department addresses a wide range of conditions, including growth disorders, thyroid disorders, diabetes, puberty disorders, adrenal gland disorders, and disorders of sexual development. We provide comprehensive care, including diagnostic evaluations, medical management, and education for patients and their families. At Aster MIMS, Kottakkal, we are committed to helping children achieve optimal growth and development by providing personalised and compassionate care for all endocrine-related concerns.Paediatric Oncology
Welcome to the Paediatric Haematology department at Aster MIMS, Kottakkal. This department is dedicated to diagnosing and treating blood disorders in children. Unlike adults, paediatric blood disorders present unique challenges, requiring specialised care tailored to the needs of young patients.
At Aster MIMS, Kottakkal, our Paediatric Haematology team provides comprehensive care for children with a variety of disorders, including:
- Anaemia, including nutritional anaemias, thalassaemia, sickle cell disease, and hereditary spherocytosis
- Bleeding disorders
- Coagulation disorders
- Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count)
- Leucopenia (low white blood cell count) or neutropenia (low neutrophil count)
- Aplastic anaemia and inherited bone marrow failure syndromes
- Splenomegaly and disorders of splenic function
- Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) and Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH)
- Primary immunodeficiency disorders
- Inborn errors of metabolism
- Blood cancers
Our Paediatric Oncology division is dedicated to providing specialised care for children with cancer. Led by a team of experienced doctors and nurses, we offer treatment for various childhood cancers, including leukaemia, brain tumours, lymphoma, neuroblastoma, Wilms tumour, sarcoma, and others. With a focus on multidisciplinary collaboration, we hold weekly tumour board meetings to discuss cases and ensure comprehensive care for our young patients. Our team works closely with specialists in paediatric surgery, surgical oncology, radiotherapy, and orthopaedic oncology to deliver the best possible care to children with cancer at Aster MIMS, Kottakkal.
Medical Genetics
Welcome to the Medical Genetics division at Aster MIMS, Kottakkal, where we recognise genetics's crucial role in a child's physical makeup and overall health. Our division is dedicated to studying and treating genetic disorders that can lead to severe health conditions in children, such as congenital disabilities, genetic syndromes, and chromosomal abnormalities.
Led by a team of expert geneticists and doctors, our research department is continually making advancements in understanding the complexities of genetic disorders and providing innovative therapeutic care to affected children. Our multidisciplinary team includes specialists from various medical fields, allowing us to identify and manage many inborn errors related to metabolism and other genetic conditions.
We utilise state-of-the-art technologies for prenatal testing to detect abnormalities in unborn babies and offer appropriate treatment options when possible. For conditions that cannot be cured, our team provides expert counselling to patients and their families to help them understand and cope with their diagnosis, improving their prognosis and quality of life.
In addition to diagnosis and treatment, our department offers genetic counselling services to families, helping them navigate hereditary risk factors and understand their implications for conditions such as cancer, obesity, diabetes, and atherosclerosis. At Aster MIMS, Kottakkal, we are committed to providing comprehensive care and support to children and families affected by genetic disorders, ensuring they receive the highest standard of care and guidance.
Advanced Technology & Facilities
Well equipped with the latest medical equipment, modern technology & infrastructure, Aster Hospital is one of the best hospitals in India.
These lights emit light at wavelengths most effectively absorbed by bilirubin and can be customised using varying proportions of blue, blue-green and green lights. On the other hand, double volume exchange transfusion replaces the baby's total blood volume twice, leaving the intravascular amount the same.
Procedures Endotracheal intubation Umbilical line placement Chest tube placement Percutaneous (PICC) line placement Ventilator support including high-frequency ventilation + inhaled nitric-oxide treatment Intravenous access and maintenance Total Body Cooling Exchange transfusion Hemodynamic monitoring Total parenteral nutrition Oxygen saturation monitoring Surfactant therapy Thermoregulation Per Oral/tube feeding Promotion of breastfeeding and lactation assistance/advice Peritoneal dialysis Developmental interventions - Environmental and Developmental Care of Infants
At Aster Enrich, we provide specialised and comprehensive care for children with diverse developmental needs. Our centre is dedicated to helping differently-abled children through customised treatment strategies, focusing on early identification, intervention, and continuous support throughout their school years and beyond.
Our centre has state-of-the-art facilities and a team of highly qualified professionals from various disciplines, including Developmental Pediatrics, Child Psychiatry, Child Psychology, Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, and more.
We offer specialised treatment for children with conditions including:
Headache
Epilepsy
Movement disorders
Neuroimmunology
Stroke
Mitochondrial and metabolic disorders
Learning disabilities
Cerebral palsy
Neurodevelopmental disabilities - Like Autism and ADHD
Sleep disorders
Brain tumours and conditions requiring surgery
Genetic neurological disorders and rare brain diseases
Neonatal neurological conditions, even in high-risk newborns
An advanced facility for treating Neurodevelopmental disorders in children, the expert team of doctors and therapists at the Aster Neurodevelopmental Unit believes in incorporating the latest scientific concepts to empower and enable differently-abled children to be a part of society.
Assessment of children with developmental and behavioural concerns
Multidisciplinary intervention services
Referrals to community services
Parental guidance for child development
Counseling and support for families of children with developmental and behavioral problems
Liaison with schools on children with learning problems - Placement of children with special needs for training and education
Collaboration with Primary Health and Community
Services for early identification of children with developmental and behavioural problems to facilitate early intervention
Patient & family services: family resource centre with family support specialists and Paediatric Psychologists.
Evaluating bio-behavioural aspects of primary illness from diagnosis to post-recovery and providing the proper guidance.
Working with the family and caregivers to cope with the stress of living with a physical illness.
Assistance in developing tools that the child and his/her family require to manage the acute phase of the child’s condition.
Management of the child's emotional and physical pain in a manner that's appropriate to their age.
Support to manage stress/ normal/ abnormal reaction to illness.
Identifying psychopathology and planning a customised, multidisciplinary treatment strategy that includes psycho-education, supportive psychotherapy, relaxation training, cognitive behavioural therapy and psychopharmacology.
Combining individual treatment, family-based treatment and community resources to ensure the best possible outcome.
Aster MIMS Kottakkal offers a dedicated 10-bed Level 3 Pediatric Intensive Unit with state-of-the-art monitoring and diagnostic equipment. Manned 24/7 by a team of internationally trained Pediatric Intensive Care Physicians and Nurses who stand for ethical and evidence-based practices, the PICU provides advanced organ support for critically ill children and life-support services, including mechanical ventilation like HFOV and Inhaled Nitric Oxide Therapy. The Unit, for the first time in Kerala, offers Pediatric Intensive Care Retrieval service, where the Retrieval Team, comprising Pediatric Intensive Care Physicians and Nurses, triages, stabilises and transports critically ill children in an ambulance that is a Level 3 Paediatric Intensive Care Unit by itself, from peripheral hospitals to Aster MIMS Kottakkal. The Unit also offers: Invasive cardiovascular monitoring and support including extracorporeal life support Advanced renal support like CVVH and hemodialysis for children Post-operative care for children who have had specialised surgery at Aster MIMS Kottakkal Multidisciplinary in approach and works closely with other Specialities for Pediatric surgery like Oncology, Neurology, Renal, Spinal Surgery, ENT, Respiratory and Endocrinology Multidisciplinary in approach for trauma care with support from specialist teams including Neurosurgery, Pediatric surgery, and Pediatric Orthopedics, ENT and Craniofacial surgery Round the clock triaging and pre-transport stabilisation advice to assist Retrieval Zero tolerance for error prescription policy 100 % adherence to infection control practices Dedicated team to address patient safety and risk management Allied services including Respiratory Therapists, Dietician , Clinical Pharmacists and Physiotherapists Counselling and Psychosocial services for bystanders and focus for creating a stress free environment during the most challenging period in their lives.
High-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) is a lung-protective strategy that can be utilised in the full spectrum of patient populations ranging from neonatal to adults with acute lung injury.
Incubators and radiant warmers are used to maintain the body temperature of newborn infants. This is best done to minimise the energy expended for metabolic heat production.
Most infants admitted to the NICU are untimely (delivered before 37 weeks of pregnancy), have low birth weight (under 5.5 pounds), or have a medical condition that requires unique care. Almost a large portion of a million children are delivered preterm, and a significant number of these infants likewise have low birth weights. Twins, triplets, frequently are admitted to the NICU, as they have a tendency to be delivered before than single birth children. Babies with medical conditions, for example, heart issues, or birth deformities are likewise watched over in the NICU. NICU at Aster MIMS Kottakkal is equipped with a best in class level 3 NICU under the direction of all around trained and qualified Neonatologists. We gather in appropriate proof based administration at reasonable cost. The NICU has exceptional offices for, cutting edge neonatal ventilation including high recurrence ventilation, care of to a great degree low weight infants, extraordinary care for postoperative checking (counting cardiovascular cases), surfactant administration, exchange transfusion, total parenteral nourishment, Central venous catheterization
A partial exchange transfusion is a procedure to correct polycythaemia or severe anaemia without hypovolaemia. This can be performed using either the one-catheter or two-catheter push-pull technique.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) provides respiratory support to neonates with upper airway obstruction or respiratory failure. Respiratory failure constitutes either failure of ventilation or failure of lung function.
Peritoneal dialysis is frequently required in NICU, and it is a fundamental, rational, safe and effective renal replacement therapy method in infants with Acute kidney injury and metabolic disorders.
Bedside echocardiography is often performed in our neonatal Unit to diagnose or exclude a structural heart defect and evaluate pulmonary haemodynamics and cardiac function. Cranial ultrasonography (CUS) is an excellent tool to detect the most frequently occurring brain abnormalities in preterm and full-term neonates, study the evolution of lesions, and follow brain maturation. X-ray examinations of the lungs are an essential element in the evaluation of neonates and their respiratory function. X-ray examinations are often necessary depending on the infant's birthweight, gestational age and respiratory problems.
A central venous line is often put in when a baby cannot get a percutaneous inserted central catheter (PICC) or midline central catheter (MCC). A central venous line can be used to give nutrients or medicines to a baby. It is only used when babies need IV nutrients or medication for a long time. Meanwhile, peripheral arterial access readily allows for the sampling of arterial blood for arterial blood gas analysis, haematology, and biochemistry, and it can also be used to remove blood during exchange transfusion.
Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a heart defect present at birth. When the condition is present, a vein that usually closes at birth (the ductus arteriosus) stays open. The result is that oxygen-rich blood that should be circulating into the body instead goes back to the lungs. Cardiac ductal ligation is a procedure to repair this problem.
Our PICU offers access to subspecialties and the most exceptional technologies accessible, and is devoted to giving the largest medical care to our pediatric patients. Subspecialty administrations accessible through the PICU incorporate cardiothoracic surgery, neurosurgery, orthopedics, cardiology, pulmonary, general surgery, oncology, hematology, and bone marrow transplant.
Care in the PICU dependably gives family-focused treatment that is formatively and age-centered, empathetic, and effective for the treatment of different medical issues.
Pediatric Intensive Care Unit gives round the clock services to basically sick newborn infants and children, overseen by extraordinarily trained and experienced work force under direct supervision of pediatric specialists.
The facilities include
- Invasive and non-invasive ventilators
- LED phototherapy and consistent multi parameter checking consolidated with devoted nursing care
- Pediatric ventilator
- Pediatric indoor admissions
- Central venous catheterization
- Specially trained staff, etc.
FAQs
Want to find out more about the treatment? The answer to your questions can be found below.
What does a paediatrician & Neonatologists do?
Paediatricians and neonatologists specialise in treating children, with the latter group concentrating on neonates. They collaborate to create thorough treatment programmes to identify and treat a wide range of problems affecting children, from respiratory ailments and infectious infections to developmental disorders and congenital anomalies.
What questions should you ask a paediatrician & Neonatologist?
When you see a paediatrician or neonatologist, you should ask about your child's particular ailment, the suggested course of therapy, any dangers or side effects, and the long-term prognosis. You should also inquire about the clinic's or hospital's resources, support system, and the doctor's background and credentials. It is important to inquire about any alterations in lifestyle or preventative actions that might aid in managing your child's illness.
What are the most common types of conditions that paediatricians & Neonatologists treat?
Paediatricians and neonatologists in Kottakkal at Aster MIMS treat common conditions like respiratory disorders, gastrointestinal problems, infectious diseases, developmental disorders, and congenital abnormalities. They also offer vaccinations, regular well-child examinations, and advice on good living practices.
When should I consider seeing a paediatrician & Neonatologist?
If your kid is born prematurely, has a known congenital illness or medical condition, or experiences unanticipated health problems requiring specialised care, you should consider taking them to visit paediatricians and neonatologists in Kottakkal at Aster MIMS. You should also plan for routine well-child check-ups to track your child's growth and development, ensure they receive the appropriate vaccinations, and get answers to any worries or inquiries you may have regarding their health and wellbeing.
How do paediatricians & Neonatologists decide on a treatment plan?
When choosing a course of treatment for a patient, paediatricians and neonatologists at Aster MIMS consider several variables, such as the ailment being addressed, the child's age and general health, the possible advantages and disadvantages of various treatment options, and the preferences and worries of the family. To ensure they offer the most efficient and evidence-based treatment possible, they could also speak with other experts and review the most recent studies and recommendations.
Will paediatricians & Neonatologists help manage side effects during treatment?
Sure, paediatricians and neonatologists in Kottakkal at Aster MIMS will carefully monitor how your kid responds to therapy and handle any potential difficulties or adverse effects. They collaborate together with nurses, chemists, and other medical professionals to guarantee your kid gets comprehensive, well-coordinated care throughout their healing process.
What documents should I carry on my first visit to a paediatrician & Neonatologist?
You should bring any pertinent medical documents, such as pregnancy test results, birth records, and records of any prior medical examinations or treatments your child has had, to your initial appointment with a paediatrician or neonatologist. A list of your child's current prescriptions, vitamins, and supplements, along with any allergies or dietary restrictions, should also be included.
How should I prepare for my first visit to a paediatrician & Neonatologist?
Make a list of your questions and concerns before your first appointment with a paediatrician or neonatologist, and be prepared to offer a thorough medical history of your kid. Additionally, you might wish to acquaint yourself with the paediatrician's or neonatologist's role in your child's care and the clinic or hospital setting.
