Paediatric Surgical Camp Guardian Hospital Meru

Know the Signs.
Don't Ignore Them.

Some conditions affecting children may not always be obvious. This awareness guide highlights some of the signs and conditions that may require assessment by a paediatric surgical team.
📅 28th – 30th September 2026   •   📍 Guardian Hospital Kangeta – Meru

Why are we sharing this?

As we continue creating awareness about the upcoming Paediatric Surgical Camp, we want parents and caregivers to know some of the signs that may deserve medical attention. Not every condition requires surgery, but unusual or persistent symptoms should be assessed by a qualified healthcare professional.

11 Childhood Conditions to Look Out For

Learn about some of the conditions highlighted as part of our ongoing paediatric surgical awareness campaign.

01

Pee Hole Not at the Tip

The opening through which urine passes may be located on the underside of the penis rather than at the tip. This is commonly known as hypospadias.

Look out for: An unusual position of the urine opening or an unusual direction of the urine stream.
02

Tight Foreskin

Some children have difficulty retracting the foreskin. While this may be normal in younger children, persistent problems or symptoms may require medical assessment.

Look out for: Pain, difficulty passing urine, repeated infections or troublesome swelling.
03

Belly Button Bulge

A soft swelling around the belly button may be an umbilical hernia. Many childhood hernias are monitored, while some may require surgical assessment.

Look out for: A noticeable bulge around the belly button, particularly when the child cries, coughs or strains.
04

Pain or Swelling in the Testicles

Testicular pain or swelling should always be taken seriously. Some causes require urgent medical attention.

Look out for: Sudden pain, swelling, redness, tenderness or a testicle that appears different from usual.
05

Constipation

Persistent constipation in children can sometimes be associated with an underlying condition and may require further assessment.

Look out for: Persistent difficulty passing stool, painful bowel movements, abdominal swelling or repeated episodes.
06

Lump Near the Thigh or Groin

A lump in the groin may be a hernia. It may become more noticeable when a child cries, coughs or strains.

Look out for: A recurring groin swelling or lump that appears during crying, coughing or activity.
07

Missing Testicles

In some boys, one or both testicles may not be felt in the scrotum. This may be a sign of an undescended testicle and should be assessed.

Look out for: One side of the scrotum appearing empty or noticeably smaller than the other side.
08

Kidney Stones

Although less common in children than adults, kidney stones can occur and may cause significant discomfort or urinary symptoms.

Look out for: Severe side or abdominal pain, blood in urine, painful urination, vomiting or recurrent urinary symptoms.
09

Bladder Stones

Stones in the bladder may interfere with normal urination and can cause discomfort or urinary problems.

Look out for: Painful urination, difficulty passing urine, interrupted urine flow or blood in the urine.
10

Swollen Scrotum

Enlargement or swelling of the scrotum in a child can have different causes and should be assessed when persistent or concerning.

Look out for: Persistent enlargement, painless swelling, discomfort or a swelling that changes in size.
11

Absent Anal Opening

Some babies are born with the anal opening absent or not in its normal position. This is a congenital condition requiring specialist assessment.

Look out for: A newborn without a visible normal anal opening or difficulty passing stool after birth.
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Every child deserves to be properly assessed

If you notice something unusual about your child's body, growth, urination, bowel movements or genital area, seek professional medical advice rather than relying on guesswork.

⚠️ When Should You Seek Medical Attention?

Some symptoms should not be left waiting for a routine appointment. Seek medical attention promptly if a child develops:

  • Sudden severe testicular or abdominal pain
  • Rapidly increasing swelling or a painful lump
  • Difficulty passing urine
  • Blood in the urine
  • Persistent vomiting with severe abdominal pain
  • A child who appears seriously unwell

Paediatric Surgical Camp

If your child has any of the conditions or signs described above, consider having them assessed by a healthcare professional. The upcoming camp provides an opportunity for children to receive paediatric surgical assessment.

📅 28th – 30th September 2026
📍 Guardian Hospital Meru
📞 Call 0703 847 379 ✉️ Send an Enquiry

Don't Ignore What You Notice.

A lump, swelling, unusual opening, persistent pain or other unusual finding in a child deserves attention. When in doubt, have the child assessed by a qualified healthcare professional.

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