[Horizons of endoscopic surgery]

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has been one of the most important developments in surgery in the last century. By reducing the incision to small puncture wounds, morbidity, pain, adhesions and scarring are reduced. Due to their small size, neonates have not benefited from the advances in endoscopic surgery as rapidly as their adult counterparts. In the last 10 years, miniaturization of instruments and the development of sophisticated new techniques have enabled paediatric surgeons to apply endoscopic surgery to neonates. MIS is now being performed in both the neonatal chest and abdomen. This presentation will review these new developments and discuss the potential for even further improvements in neonatal surgery in the future. Also, a profile of the patient at risk for an insufflation-related incident and selection of neonates who will benefit most from these techniques in conditions of maximal safety will be drawn.