Abdominal Cellulitis following a Laparoscopic Procedure: A Rare and Severe Complication

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Surgery
• Gastrointestinal Surgery
• Surgical Complications

Background:

• Laparoscopic approaches for Hirschsprung disease offer advantages like reduced hospital stay and fewer adhesions.
• The Duhamel pull-through is a standard surgical procedure for Hirschsprung disease.

Observation:

• A 3-month-old infant underwent a laparoscopic Duhamel pull-through for Hirschsprung disease.
• A full-thickness biopsy with intraperitoneal inoculation and large peritoneal irrigation was performed during the procedure.

Findings:

• The patient developed necrotizing abdominal cellulitis originating from a port site a few days post-surgery.
• This rare complication necessitated repeat surgical excision, broad-spectrum antibiotics, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Implications:

• This case underscores the potential for rare but severe infectious complications following laparoscopic surgery in infants.
• Awareness of such risks is crucial for prompt diagnosis and management of abdominal cellulitis after pediatric laparoscopic procedures.
• Further research may be needed to elucidate the mechanisms and prevention strategies for port-site infections in this context.