Single-incision laparoscopic colon and rectal surgery for pediatric inflammatory bowel disease and polyposis...

Minimally invasive procedures for inflammatory bowel disease have been shown to improve recovery in children. We report our initial experience with single-incision laparoscopic operations for pediatric intestinal disease.

We retrospectively reviewed 12 procedures in 11 patients (4 women) from March 2010 to January 2011. Procedures were conducted by using standard laparoscopic instruments.

Mean age was 15 years (9-17 years). Procedures included three total abdominal colectomies, four two-stage ileal-pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA), two single-stage IPAA, two three-stage IPAA, and one ileocectomy. An accessory umbilical port was used in 6 cases. Mean operating time was 287 minutes. Mean length of stay was 4.1 days (3-9 days). Postoperative complications have occurred in 5 patients (42%). Anastomotic leak occurred in 2 patients with IPAA without protective ileostomy, 1 operative small bowel obstruction, 1 pelvic abscess and portal vein thrombosis, and 1 readmission for dehydration. Both patients who had leaked have recovered well and had their stomas reversed. Mean follow-up is 190 days. Average number of daily bowel movements is 4.5. Pouchitis has occurred in 50% (4/8) of patients.

Single-incision laparoscopic surgery for pediatric intestinal disease is safe and feasible by using standard laparoscopic instruments. We do not advocate IPAA without a stoma due to the high rate of anastomotic leak. Continued experience will shorten operative times and reduce complications.