Pediatric Surgery and Perioperative Care Research Group
This group is dedicated to advancing knowledge and practice in pediatric surgery, with a focus on perioperative safety, minimally invasive techniques, and outcomes in resource‑limited settings. It integrates expertise from general surgery, urology, otolaryngology, anesthesia, and pharmacology to improve surgical care for children, reduce complications, and strengthen education and patient‑centered approaches.
- 6 members
- 26 publications
Group Members
6
Research Interests
Pediatric surgical outcomes
- Tonsillectomy outcomes and anesthetic considerations
- Pediatric gastrointestinal endoscopy safety and outcomes
- Foreign body aspiration management in children
Minimally invasive pediatric surgery
- Laparoscopic procedures in children
- Caudal epidural anesthesia practices
- Innovations in pediatric surgical techniques
Perioperative safety and patient care
- Preoperative anxiety and fear of anesthesia among children and parents
- Pain management strategies in pediatric patients
- Availability of pediatric services and equipment in emergency departments
Education and awareness
- Training medical students in pediatric surgical procedures
- Patient and parent perceptions of pediatric anesthesia and surgery
- Burnout and wellbeing among pediatric surgical teams
Ongoing Research
- Evaluating safety and outcomes of pediatric endoscopy procedures
- Comparing perioperative outcomes in pediatric laparoscopic vs open surgery
- Assessing prevalence and management of pain in pediatric oncology inpatients
- Investigating predictors of difficult pediatric surgical procedures
- Measuring postoperative recovery quality among pediatric patients
- Exploring parental perceptions and decisionmaking regarding pediatric anesthesia
- Assessing medical students’ exposure and confidence in pediatric surgical training
Publications
26| # | Year | Publication | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2024 | AboAlheija M, Masarweh E, Qasem Y, Hijaz H, Amer R, Shawahna R. Prevalence of stress urinary incontinence symptoms and their impact on the quality of life of Palestinian women: the first large cross-sectional study among the general population. Article. BMC Women's Health. 2024;24(1)510. doi:10.1186/s12905-024-03360-0 | DOI |
| 2 | 2026 | Abuali A, Ghanim M, Qubbaj R, Jayousi S, Hijaz H, Shawahna R. Determinants of hypoglycemia and hospitalization among hemodialysis patients with type 2 diabetes: insights from a multicenter study in a resource-limited healthcare system. Article. Renal Fail. 2026;48(1)2646415. doi:10.1080/0886022X.2026.2646415 | DOI |
| 3 | 2026 | Alqurnah A, Alsharouf M, Salah F, Salhab T, Hijaz H, Shawahna R. Prevalence, severity and multidimensional factors associated with pain among hemodialysis patients: A cross-sectional study in a resource-limited healthcare system. Article. SAGE Open Med. 2026;14doi:10.1177/20503121261448294 | DOI |
| 4 | 2024 | Amous Y, Isefan S, Hamarsheh K, Hijaz H, Amer R, Shawahna R. Lower urinary tract symptoms among normal-weight, overweight, and obese palestinians: a study of prevalence and impact on the quality of life. Article. BMC Urol. 2024;24(1)199. doi:10.1186/s12894-024-01587-5 | DOI |
| 5 | 2026 | Hassan A, Titi A, Altouri D, Yasin D, Alsadder T, Jaber M, Shawahna R. Maternal Practices and Knowledge on Mixing Pediatric Medications with Food: Evidence of Counseling Gaps and Educational Needs in Primary Care. Article. Inquiry. 2026;63doi:10.1177/00469580261436352 | DOI |
| 6 | 2022 | Hijaz H, Shawahna R, Al-Naser E, Younis A, Obaid A. Management of ureteric stone in the main referral hospital in Palestine: a retrospective de-scriptive study. Article. Palestinian Medical and Pharmaceutical Journal. 2022;7(2):159-166. 7. doi:10.59049/2790-0231.1087 | DOI |
| 7 | 2016 | Jabloun A, Bouthour H, Bustame S, Trabelsi F, Ben Abdallah R, Kaabar N. Amyand's hernia with appendicitis in the children: A delayed diagnosis. Article. Journal of Pediatric Surgery Case Reports. 2016;13:6-7. doi:10.1016/j.epsc.2016.07.003 | DOI |
| 8 | 2026 | Jaradat O, Awad A, Abu Samaan H, Al-Toom S, Alsadder T, Jaber M, Shawahna R. Impact of Antihistamines on Sleep, Cognition, and Daily Functioning: Evidence From Primary and Community Care. Article. J Prim Care Community Health. 2026;17doi:10.1177/21501319261442260 | DOI |
| 9 | 2025 | Lafi S, Mhajne N, Hijaz H, Shawahna R. Symptoms and discomforts associated with double J ureteral stents: a prospective observational study in the Palestinian healthcare practice. Article. BMC Urol. 2025;25(1)68. doi:10.1186/s12894-025-01747-1 | DOI |
| 10 | 2022 | Maree M, Dwaikat D, Hanbali R, et al. Large ureteric calculi and venous sinuses thrombosis of the brain led to behcet’s disease diagnosis in a child: a story to tell. Article. Palestinian Medical and Pharmaceutical Journal. 2022;7(2) | |
| 11 | 2025 | Mhamid A, Taha R, Ibrahem R, Hijaz H, Bustame S, Shawahna R. Postoperative urinary tract infections following flexible ureteroscopy: a prospective cohort study in the West bank of Palestine. Article. BMC Urol. 2025;25(1)187. doi:10.1186/s12894-025-01888-3 | DOI |
| 12 | 2024 | Mustafa M, Hijaz H, Aghbar A, Barqawi A, Alami I, Khalil N. Is the presence of upper tract transitional cell carcinoma in a calyceal diverticulum a risk factor for early metastasis? A case report and review of the literature. Article. SAGE Open Medical Case Reports. 2024;12doi:10.1177/2050313X241288341 | DOI |
| 13 | 2026 | Nujedat H, Mustafa I, Igbariah A, Abuhassan A, Alsadder T, Jaber M, Shawahna R. Knowledge, readiness to help, and attitudes toward epilepsy: A comparative study among Palestinian university students in health and non-health majors. Article. Epi Beh Rep. 2026;34100867. doi:10.1016/j.ebr.2026.100867 | DOI |
| 14 | 2026 | Shabana H, Harthieh AA, Gharbyeh SA, Alsadder T, Jaber M, Shawahna R. Symptom Severity and Quality of Life Impact in Hyperemesis Gravidarum and Nausea of Pregnancy: Evidence From a Large Cross-Sectional Study. Article. Inquiry. 2026;6300469580261468785. doi:10.1177/00469580261468785 | DOI |
| 15 | 2024 | Shawahna R, Abdi A, Bani-Odeh D, et al. Breastmilk calcium concentrations in Palestinian lactating women. Article. Acta Paediatrica, International Journal of Paediatrics. 2024;113(6):1315-1321. doi:10.1111/apa.17204 | DOI |
| 16 | 2025 | Shawahna R, Hafaitha A, Saadi L, Haj-Yahia S, Adawi T, Saada S, Hijaz H. Arteriovenous shunt cannulation in hemodialysis patients: A prospective cohort study of outcomes and complications in a resource-limited healthcare system. Article. SAGE Open Med. 2025;13doi:10.1177/20503121251407165 | DOI |
| 17 | 2025 | Shawahna R, Hamad SA, Egbaria M, Hijaz H, Maqboul I, Jaber M. Inconvenience, lifestyle flexibility, glycemic control, and satisfaction with insulin treatment among patients with diabetes mellitus in palestine: a cross-sectional study. Article. Sci Rep. 2025;15(1)30744. doi:10.1038/s41598-025-15564-x | DOI |
| 18 | 2021 | Shawahna R, Hijaz H, Jallad K, Abushamma M, Sawafta M. Prevalence of overactive bladder symptoms and their impact on health-related quality of life of medical and dentistry students: a multicenter cross-sectional study. Article. BMC Urol. 2021;21(1)142. doi:10.1186/s12894-021-00909-1 | DOI |
| 19 | 2021 | Shawahna R, Jaber M, Maqboul I, Hijaz H, Abu-Issa M, Radwan F, Dweik M. Are medical students adequately prepared to provide quality care for patients with epilepsy? A cross-sectional study of their knowledge and attitude. Article. Epilepsy and Behavior. 2021;120107976. doi:10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.107976 | DOI |
| 20 | 2024 | Shawahna R, Jaber M, Maqboul I, Hijaz H, Alawneh A, Imwas H. Aluminum Concentrations in Breast Milk Samples Obtained from Breastfeeding Women from a Resource-Limited Country: A Study of the Predicting Factors. Article. Biological Trace Element Research. 2024;202(1):1-8. doi:10.1007/s12011-023-03714-z | DOI |
| 21 | 2025 | Shawahna R, Jaber M, Maqboul I, Hijaz H, Azar M, Zedan M, Obaedi A. A multicenter survey of pediatric caudal epidural anesthesia practices in resource-limited settings. Article. Sci Rep. 2025;15(1)16166. doi:10.1038/s41598-025-00275-0 | DOI |
| 22 | 2024 | Shawahna R, Jaber MA, Hijaz H, Haj-Yehia L, Nserat N, Bana N, Maqboul I. Factors associated with knowledge, attitude, and practice of exclusively breastfeeding Palestinian women: A cross-sectional study. Article. Palestinian Medical and Pharmaceutical Journal. 2024;9(1):59-72. 7. doi:10.59049/2790-0231.1121 | DOI |
| 23 | 2024 | Shawahna R, Khaskia D, Ali D, Hodroj H, Jaber M, Maqboul I, Hijaz H. Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of pregnant women regarding epidural analgesia: a multicentre study from a developing country. Article. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 2024;44(1)2354575. doi:10.1080/01443615.2024.2354575 | DOI |
| 24 | 2024 | Shawahna R, Mukhaimer Y, Hawwari H, Barham M, Jaber M, Maqboul I, Hijaz H. Availability of Pediatric Services and Equipment in Emergency Departments: A Multicenter Study in Resource-Limited Settings. Article. Pediatric Emergency Care. 2024;40(8):e126-e132. doi:10.1097/PEC.0000000000003215 | DOI |
| 25 | 2023 | Shawahna R, Saleh R, Owiwi L, et al. Breastmilk cadmium levels and estimated infant exposure: a multicenter study of associated factors in a resource-limited country. Article. International Breastfeeding Journal. 2023;18(1)36. doi:10.1186/s13006-023-00574-0 | DOI |
| 26 | 2024 | Zahran A, Besharieh F, Hamdan Y, Alsadder T, Jaber M, Shawahna R. Knowledge and perceptions of the roles of anesthesiologists as providers of healthcare services: toward better-educated patients. Article. BMC Health Services Research. 2024;24(1)1568. doi:10.1186/s12913-024-12048-y | DOI |
Contact Us
Dr. Samer Bustame
Pediatric Surgery Specialist
Email: [email protected]