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Paediatric & Specialised Surgery
Safe surgery for children, with anaesthesia adapted to the youngest patients.
Our surgical department operates on newborns, children and adults in five operating theatres, including a theatre dedicated to children. Paediatric surgeons, urologists, orthopaedic and plastic surgeons work with our paediatric anaesthetists and intensive care team to make surgery as safe and comfortable as possible.
For more than a decade, YGOPH has also hosted free surgical campaigns for children born with cleft lip and palate, in partnership with Smile Train and Synergies Africaines. The very first campaign of this partnership took place at YGOPH in November 2012.
What we offer
- Paediatric general surgery
- Cleft lip & palate repair
- Urology
- Orthopaedics & trauma
- Plastic & reconstructive surgery
- Endoscopic surgery
Paediatric general surgery. Hernias, undescended testes, appendicitis, intestinal obstruction and congenital malformations.
Cleft lip & palate repair. Reconstructive surgery for children born with clefts, with free campaigns each year.
Urology. Urological surgery for children and adults, including hypospadias and urinary tract malformations.
Orthopaedics & trauma. Fractures, clubfoot correction and other bone and joint conditions.
Plastic & reconstructive surgery. Burns, scars and reconstructive procedures.
Endoscopic surgery. Minimally invasive procedures, including cystoscopy and laparoscopy.
Cleft lip and palate: free surgery campaigns
About 700 babies are born with a cleft lip or palate in Cameroon every year. Without surgery, these children struggle to feed, speak and be accepted at school. YGOPH regularly hosts free surgical campaigns: in 2025 alone, two campaigns were held, in February and from October to November. Families are asked to register their child with our paediatric surgery unit so they can be called for the next campaign.
- Free surgery for eligible children during campaigns
- Pre-operative check-up and anaesthesia assessment
- Post-operative follow-up and feeding and speech advice
- Registration open all year at the paediatric surgery unit
Preparing your child for surgery
Before any planned operation, your child will have a consultation with the surgeon and a pre-anaesthesia consultation. We will explain the procedure, the risks and the expected recovery, and give you written instructions. On the day of surgery, your child must not eat for the time indicated by the anaesthetist, and one parent may stay until your child falls asleep and return in the recovery room.
Safety in theatre
Our teams apply the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist for every operation, and instruments are sterilised in the hospital’s central sterilisation unit. After surgery, children are monitored in the recovery room and, when needed, in the intensive care unit.
Who leads the service
- Dr MBOUCHE Landry Oriole – Urologist, Deputy Chief of Service, Paediatric & Specialised Surgery
- BITENYI Guillaume Edmond – State Registered Nurse, Acting Head Nurse, Surgery
Practical information
Consultations. Monday to Friday, 07:30 – 15:30. Surgical emergencies are handled 24/7.
Estimate & deposit. A cost estimate is given before planned surgery. A deposit is requested on admission, as shown on our price list.
Blood donors. For some operations, families are asked to bring blood donors to support our blood bank.
Cleft campaigns. Register your child at any time; we will call you when the next free campaign is scheduled.
Opening hours
- Consultations: Mon – Fri, 07:30 – 15:30
- Surgical emergencies: 24 hours, 7 days
- Pre-anaesthesia clinic: Mon – Fri, 12:00 – 15:30
Specialists in Paediatric & Specialised Surgery
Dr DIKONGUE Eugenie Caroline
Paediatric SurgeonDr KOUNA TSALA Irène Nadine
Paediatric Surgeon
Dr MBOUCHE Landry Oriole
Urologist – Deputy Chief of ServiceFrequently asked questions
A cleft lip is usually repaired from around three months of age and a cleft palate between nine and eighteen months, depending on the child's health and weight. Our surgeons will advise you.
During partner campaigns, surgery for eligible children is free of charge. Our team will explain what is covered when you register.
Yes. Although children are our priority, the department also performs urological, orthopaedic, general and plastic surgery for adults.
It depends on the operation. Many minor procedures are day cases, while major surgery may require several days in hospital.
Ask a question about Paediatric & Specialised Surgery
Our team replies on working days. For an emergency, do not write: call (+237) 670 607 278 or come directly to the hospital.