Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 30, 2026
Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Splenectomy In Children: A Case Report with Literature Review
Published on: March 27, 2026
Laparoscopic-assisted bowel resection in pediatric/adolescent inflammatory bowel disease: laparoscopic bowel
Timothy Simon1, Guy Orangio, Wayne Ambroze
1Georgia Colon and Rectal Surgical Associates, Atlanta, Georgia 30342, USA.
Insights
Laparoscopic bowel resection is safe for pediatric patients with IBD and familial polyposis, showing low complication rates and short hospital stays. This minimally invasive approach offers a viable surgical option for young patients requiring major bowel surgery.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Gastrointestinal Surgery
Background:
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and familial polyposis necessitate major bowel resections.
- Minimally invasive techniques are increasingly explored for pediatric surgical procedures.
- Laparoscopic approaches offer potential benefits in terms of recovery and morbidity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the indications for laparoscopic bowel resection in pediatric and adolescent patients.
- To describe the technical aspects of performing major laparoscopic bowel surgery in this population.
- To assess the morbidity and outcomes associated with laparoscopic bowel resection for IBD and familial polyposis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 33 laparoscopic-assisted bowel resections performed between 1991 and 2002.
- Inclusion criteria encompassed pediatric/adolescent patients undergoing laparoscopic resection for IBD or familial polyposis.
- Exclusion criteria included critically unstable, septic, or hemorrhaging patients.
Main Results:
- Thirty-three procedures were performed on 29 patients, including proctocolectomy and ileocolectomy.
- Average operative time was 158 minutes with an average blood loss of 159 ml.
- The complication rate was 16%, with a 5.8% conversion rate to open surgery and an average length of stay of 5.9 days.
Conclusions:
- Major laparoscopic bowel surgery is a safe and effective option for pediatric and adolescent patients.
- The procedure is associated with acceptable operative times and low morbidity.
- Laparoscopic bowel resection demonstrates a low rate of conversion to open procedures in this cohort.
Purpose:
The purpose of this study is to discuss indications, technical approach, and morbidity of laparoscopic approaches to major bowel resection in the pediatric/adolescent population with inflammatory bowel disease and familial polyposis.
Methods:
Retrospective review of laparoscopic-assisted bowel procedures between May 1991 and January 2002 was performed. Laparoscopic-assisted bowel resection is defined as complete intracorporeal mobilization and devascularization of a segment of colon or rectum. The indications for extracorporeal vs. intracorporeal anastomosis will be discussed. Clinically unstable, septic, or massively bleeding patients were not candidates for this technique. The decision to attempt the laparoscopic approach was based on the experience of the consulting surgeon. There were 31 patients, including 14 females. Five patients had undergone prior surgery. Twenty-nine patients had inflammatory bowel disease, one had familial polyposis, and one had a cavernous hemangioma. We included all pediatric/adolescent patients in our practice undergoing laparoscopic resection.
Results:
Twenty-nine patients had 33 laparoscopic operations, including proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (n = 14), proctocolectomy with ileostomy (n = 3), ileocolectomy with ileocolic anastomosis (n = 13), and small-bowel obstruction (n = 1). Average operating time was 158 (range, 30-400) minutes, with average blood loss of 159 ml. Average wound length was 4.9 cm. The complication rate was 16 percent (n = 5), with one anastomotic leak. The rate of conversion to open operations was 5.8 percent. Liquid diet was begun on Day 3, and the average length of stay was 5.9 days.
Conclusion:
Major laparoscopic bowel surgery can be performed safely in the pediatric/adolescent population, with reasonable operative times, low conversion to open operations, and low morbidity.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD:
01:26Endoscopic Procedures IV: Sigmoidoscopy and Laproscopy
Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that uses a flexible sigmoidoscope equipped with a light source and camera to examine the rectum and sigmoid colon. The procedure involves inserting the tube through the anus...