Constipation is a common problem in growing children and may be idiopathic (meaning that we don’t know the exact cause for the constipation) or due to an underlying gastrointestinal disorder. This may result in fewer bowel movements, stools that are hard, dry or lumpy or stools that are painful or difficult to pass.

Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease, also known as GORD, is when milk, food or drink travels back up the oesophagus (food pipe) after being swallowed into the stomach. As the food and drink is mixed with acid from the stomach, it can cause irritation to the oesophagus, with or without vomiting, as well as irritation to surrounding structures resulting in respiratory tract infections, middle ear problems, problems with dentition and vomiting

A Hydrocele is a fluid-filled sac around the testicle which is often first noticed as a swelling in the scrotum. It is common in newborns and can disappear without treatment within the first year of life. If it persists after 1 year of age, an operation can be performed to drain the fluid and disrupt the connection that allows fluid to collect in the scrotum preventing the problem from re-occurring

Hirschsprung’s Disease is a congenital problem that is present at birth. It is a condition that affects the nerves in the large (and rarely small) intestine which prevents the intestine from relaxing adequately. In other words, the intestine remains in a spasm-like state, which causes a functional obstruction. The main symptom is a newborn's failure to have a bowel movement within 48 hours after birth. Other symptoms include a swollen stomach and vomiting.

Surgery is required to bypass the affected part of the intestine

Hypospadias is a congenital deformity of the penis that occurs in as many as 1 in every 300 boys. Dr Gabler is passionate about hypospadias reconstructive surgery. Hypospadias consists of 3 entities including a curve of the penis, a urine opening in the incorrect position on the shaft of the penis and varying degrees of foreskin deficiency. This congenital anomaly can require multiple reconstructive operations depending of the severity of the problem

Urinary Incontinence in children is described as the loss of bladder control or failure to achieve bladder control. In children under 3 years old it is normal to not have full bladder control, but as they get older they become more able to control their bladders. The main symptom of urinary incontinence is the leakage of urine. There may also be increased urgency to wee or increased frequency of weeing. This may be due to functional or anatomical problems which may be treated by surgery

An inguinal hernia is a bulge or protrusion that is seen or felt in the groin area. Inguinal hernias occur in boys more frequently than girls. Infants who are born prematurely are at an increased risk of having an inguinal hernia. Inguinal hernias require surgical intervention to prevent complications of hernias such as bowel obstruction and damage to testicles or ovaries

Obstructive jaundice is a specific type of jaundice different to the common type of jaundice that occurs in many neonates (physiological jaundice). Obstructive jaundice can be due to blockage or malformation of the bile ducts and may need surgical intervention if a diagnosis of biliary atresia or choledochal cyst is made

Posterior urethral valves (PUV) are obstructive membranes that develop in the urethra (tube that drains urine from the bladder), close to the bladder. The valve can obstruct or block the outflow of urine through the urethra.

A condition in which the opening between the stomach and small intestine thickens. Pyloric stenosis occurs most often in babies under six months old. In this condition, the pylorus muscles block food from entering the small intestine. It occurs more often in males. Pyloric stenosis can lead to forceful vomiting, dehydration and weight loss. Babies with this condition may seem to be always hungry.

Soft tissue masses that arise from the skin and its appendages(hair follicles, sweat glands), blood vessels, fat or muscle are relatively common. These masses may be congenital (children are born with them) or acquired.

Soft tissue masses can appear anywhere on the body, but are often noted on the head, face, neck, and upper limbs. These masses may appear as small discoloured lumps that can progress to much larger swellings. Management of these masses may involve medication, surgery, or a combination of both.

Umbilical hernias are very common in infants and young children, particularly in babies born prematurely. An umbilical hernia appears as a painless lump in or near the belly button. It may get bigger when laughing, coughing, crying or going to the toilet and may shrink when relaxing or lying down.

An undescended testicle is a testicle that hasn't moved into the scrotum before birth. Not seeing or feeling a testicle where it's expected to be in the scrotum is the main sign of an undescended testicle. The testicle can move into the proper position on its own within a few months. If it doesn't, surgery should be performed to place it in the scrotum.