Pediatric Surgery and Pediatric Urology Brandenburg: PD Dr Carlos A. Reck-Burneo

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PD Dr Carlo A. Reck-Burneo is an experienced pediatric surgeon and head of pediatric surgery at the Universitätsklinikum Brandenburg an der Havel.

With a focus on colorectal and pelvic surgery in children and a deep understanding of the needs of his young patients, Dr Reck-Burneo and his team accompany and support children and their families from the initial consultation to full recovery with the utmost care. The clinic adheres to the latest international standards and relies on gentle interventions and minimally invasive procedures to achieve rapid healing and optimal results.

Many years of experience with Hirschsprung's disease

Hirschsprung's disease is a rare congenital intestinal disorder in which the nerve cells that control bowel movements are missing in a section of the large intestine. This leads to chronic constipation, bloating, and abdominal pain—boys are significantly more likely to be affected than girls.

In the Universitätsklinikum Brandenburg an der Havel, affected children are cared for under the direction of PD Dr Carlos A. Reck-Burneo in accordance with the latest international guidelines, from precise diagnosis to long-term aftercare. Modern procedures such as 3D ultrasound, MRI, and special pressure measurements enable an accurate diagnosis. The affected section of the intestine is then removed using a minimally invasive technique to restore normal passage.

PD Dr Reck-Burneo is one of the few pediatric surgeons in Germany to have completed an official fellowship with Prof Marc Levitt in the USA, one of the world's most renowned experts in pediatric colorectal surgery. He also maintains close international collaboration with Dr Luis de La Torre from Colorado. A particular focus of his work is the treatment of complex cases, such as fecal incontinence, anal atresia, or complications arising from previous surgeries, which often require challenging reoperations or reconstructions. This also includes forms of so-called pseudoincontinence, in which children suffer from uncontrolled fecal loss despite anatomically correct placement of the intestinal outlet. Targeted diagnostics and individually tailored therapy concepts can often achieve significant improvements in continence in these cases.

After the surgery, the focus is on restoring normal bowel function. Through individually tailored bowel training, nutritional counseling, and regular follow-up, the interdisciplinary team supports children and families on their path to an active, symptom-free life.

Anal Atresia – State-of-the-Art Pediatric Surgical Care

In anal atresia, the anal opening is not formed correctly or is closed. This congenital malformation is usually detected immediately after birth, as the newborn is unable to pass stool normally or the anus is missing. Pediatric surgery specialist PD Dr Carlos A. Reck-Burneo offers guideline-compliant, individually tailored treatment at the Universitätsklinikum Brandenburg an der Havel. Precise diagnosis and the choice of the optimal surgical technique are crucial for long-term quality of life.

As part of the treatment, the intestine is first relieved, then the anus is anatomically reconstructed. Minimally invasive and reconstructive procedures are used to enable as normal continence as possible. After surgery, specialized professionals provide long-term support to children through continence programs, nutritional advice, and regular check-ups. The goal is an essentially everyday life without restrictions.

PD Dr Reck-Burneo is also highly experienced in treating complex urogenital malformations, including cloacal malformations, bladder exstrophy, and cloacal exstrophy. He's an expert in bladder augmentation and reconstructive surgery in this area and is one of the few specialists in Germany. Thanks to his international training and experience, he incorporates state-of-the-art surgical concepts into the care of his young patients.

Chronic Therapy-Resistant Constipation in Children – Targeted Treatment by Specialists

Chronic constipation is among the most common digestive problems in childhood. It can lead to abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and painful bowel movements. To clarify the cause, the specialists in pediatric and adolescent surgery, led by PD Dr med. Carlos A. Reck-Burneo carries out comprehensive diagnostics. In addition to imaging procedures, special pressure measurements are used to reliably exclude organic causes, such as Hirschsprung's disease.

Based on this, an individual treatment plan is developed that includes dietary changes, bowel training, and targeted cleansing measures. In severe cases, structured bowel management programs are used to help stabilize bowel function in the long term and significantly improve quality of life. In selected cases, surgical support, such as the placement of an irrigation stoma (e.g., Malone stoma) or other special procedures, may also be necessary to enable reliable bowel emptying.

In cases of therapy-resistant fecal incontinence or severe emptying disorders, neuromodulatory treatments such as sacral nerve stimulation can also be used to regulate bowel function and specifically improve continence.

Gentle Treatment of Funnel Chest and Chest Deformities

Chest deformities such as pectus excavatum (funnel chest) or pectus carinatum (keel chest) are among the more common malformations in children and adolescents. Not only can they affect physical appearance, but in severe cases, they can also impair breathing and heart function.

At Universitätsklinikum Brandenburg an der Havel, the team led by PD Dr Carlos A. Reck-Burneo offers modern, individually tailored treatment for these deformities. Treatment ranges from conservative procedures, such as vacuum bells or orthoses, to minimally invasive surgical techniques, such as the Nuss procedure for correcting funnel chest.

The goal is always to improve chest function and the aesthetic result, enabling young patients to lead an unrestricted, active life.

Hypospadias – Correction by Specialized Pediatric Surgeons

Hypospadias is a congenital malformation of the urethra in which the urethral opening is located further down the penis rather than at the tip of the glans. The foreskin and shaft of the penis are also often affected. In addition to functional problems with urination, the malformation can also cause cosmetic impairments.

At Universitätsklinikum Brandenburg an der Havel, the team led by PD Dr Carlos A. Reck-Burneo carries out surgical correction of hypospadias in accordance with modern international standards. The aim is to restore the normal urethral opening while achieving an esthetically unobtrusive result.

Depending on the severity, the procedure is done in one or more steps, constantly to permanently improve function and appearance, and enable children to live a whole, confident life.

Complex Pediatric Surgical Procedures – Minimally Invasive and Individualized

PD Dr Carlos A. Reck-Burneo at Universitätsklinikum Brandenburg an der Havel treats children and adolescents with complex congenital malformations, such as sacral fistulas, functional intestinal disorders, and malformations of the rectum. His focus is on minimally invasive surgical procedures that are gentle and accelerate recovery.

He also has extensive experience in reconstructing malformations and complications following previous surgeries, meaning that even children who have had unfavorable outcomes in the past can benefit from state-of-the-art surgical expertise. The aim is always to restore function, optimize esthetic results, and enable young patients to enjoy an active childhood free of discomfort.

PD Dr Reck-Burneo also offers qualified first and second opinions on complex anorectal malformations and fecal incontinence.

Please visit the Clinic for Pediatric and Adolescent Surgery & Urology website for more information.