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Published on: March 27, 2026
[Minimally invasive pediatric surgery]
1Klinik für Kinderchirurgie, Medizinische Hochschule, Hannover, Deutschland. Metzelder.martin@mh-hannover.de
Insights
Minimally invasive pediatric surgery, including laparoscopic and thoracoscopic procedures, is safe and effective. This approach offers benefits like reduced morbidity, shorter hospital stays, and better cosmetic outcomes compared to open surgery.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Minimally Invasive Techniques
- Surgical Innovation
Context:
- Minimally invasive surgical techniques have advanced significantly in pediatric care.
- Numerous studies confirm the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic and thoracoscopic procedures in children.
- Established and emerging minimally invasive procedures are increasingly utilized.
Purpose:
- To review established and potential minimally invasive surgical procedures for pediatric patients.
- To discuss the physiological effects of carbon dioxide (CO2) pneumoperitoneum in infants and children.
- To provide guidance for decision-making regarding minimally invasive surgery in pediatric populations.
Summary:
- Minimally invasive pediatric surgery demonstrates comparable clinical results to open surgery.
- Benefits include lower morbidity, shorter hospital stays, improved aesthetics, and reduced costs.
- The article covers established procedures and explores feasible, yet unestablished, surgical options.
Impact:
- Supports informed decision-making for scheduling pediatric patients for minimally invasive surgery.
- Highlights the advantages of minimally invasive approaches in pediatric surgical care.
- Addresses critical considerations such as hemodynamic, respiratory, and organ perfusion effects of CO2 pneumoperitoneum.
Abstract:
In recent years minimally invasive surgical techniques in children have made substantial progress. The feasibility and safety of a wide spectrum of laparoscopic and thoracoscopic procedures have been confirmed in numerous studies. Moreover, it was reported that minimally invasive pediatric surgery is associated with lower morbidity, a shorter hospital stay, lower costs, better cosmetics and clinical results similar to those achieved by open surgery. The present article reviews information on established as well as feasible but not yet established surgical procedures. The discussion of potential hemodynamic, respiratory and organ perfusion effects of the CO(2) pneumoperitoneum and the notation of special logistic aspects should support the reader in the process of decision-making to schedule infants and children for minimally invasive surgery.
