FROM BLOODWORK TO BRAIN IMAGING: AN INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEW OF DIAGNOSTIC APPROACHES IN NEONATAL SURGERY

Purpose: Neonatal surgery requires precise diagnostic pathways to ensure optimal outcomes in this highly vulnerable population. This review synthesizes current evidence across three major diagnostic pillars: laboratory investigations, radiological imaging, and ophthalmic or visual assessments. By exploring the evolving role of biochemical markers, neuroimaging, and ocular evaluations, we highlight how an integrated diagnostic model improves perioperative decision making, early detection of complications, and long term monitoring in neonatal surgical care. The review also examines recent technological advancements including point of care testing, low-dose imaging, and AI supported interpretation tools, which promise to enhance diagnostic precision while minimizing risks.