Single trocar laparoscopic-assisted colostomy in newborns

To present the technique and outcomes of single trocar laparoscopic-assisted colostomy in newborns. A rectangular skin flap was developed at the left subcostal area and detached from the fascia. Then the fascia and peritoneum were opened longitudinally around 11 mm, and then a 10-mm trocar was inserted into the abdominal cavity. The 10-mm operating laparoscope (Stema, Germany) was inserted through the trocar. The left transverse colon was inspected, grasped and brought outside the abdominal cavity with a Babcock grasper. The skin flap was inserted through a window created at the colon mesentery and secured to the opposite side to elevate the colon. A loop colostomy was performed. From August 2009 to December 2011, single trocar laparoscopic-assisted colostomy was performed for 39 newborns with anorectal malformations, including 26 boys and 13 girls. Mean operative time was 24 ± 4 min (range 20-30 min). There were no perioperative deaths or complications. Mean postoperative stay was 3 ± 0.6 days. Single trocar laparoscopic-assisted colostomy is a feasible and safe procedure in newborns.