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Current concepts in minimal access surgery for children
1Children's Hospital of New York Presbyterian, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, USA. jlz2@columbia.edu
Insights
Pediatric surgeons use minimal access surgery (MAS) for safer, faster healing in children. While beneficial, MAS adoption varies due to cost and procedural complexity.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric surgery
- Minimally invasive surgery
- Surgical innovation
Background:
- Minimal access surgery (MAS) introduced to general surgery in the 1980s.
- Pediatric surgeons adopted MAS for pediatric procedures.
- Technological advancements enable complex surgeries via small incisions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the adoption and impact of minimal access surgery in pediatric surgery.
- To highlight benefits and challenges of MAS in pediatric patients.
Main Methods:
- Review of the application of video technology and miniaturized instruments in pediatric surgery.
- Analysis of outcomes associated with MAS compared to traditional open surgery.
Main Results:
- MAS allows complex procedures through small incisions, minimizing large wounds.
- Potential benefits include reduced pain, shorter hospital stays, and quicker recovery.
- Increased operative costs are a significant consideration.
Conclusions:
- The pediatric surgical community has widely adopted MAS for certain procedures.
- Controversy and varied acceptance exist for other MAS applications in pediatric surgery.
- Ongoing evaluation of cost-effectiveness and procedural suitability is necessary.
Abstract:
Since the introduction of minimal access surgery to general surgeons in the 1980s, pediatric surgeons have been employing this innovative technology to perform surgery on children. Video technology and miniaturized instruments have brought the laboratory to the operating room; in many cases several small incisions are the only access necessary to perform complicated procedures that would otherwise require a large wound. Additional benefits of minimal access surgery may include reduced postoperative analgesic requirements, shortened length of stay, and faster resumption of normal activities. Increased operative costs offset some of these gains. The pediatric surgical community has embraced minimal access techniques for some operations; others remain controversial.
