Applicability and Effectiveness of Laparoscopic Procedures in Pediatrics

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Surgical Technology

Background:

• Three-dimensional (3D) laparoscopic surgery is not widely adopted in pediatrics, with limited data on its clinical advantages and disadvantages.
• The effectiveness of 3D versus 2D laparoscopy for pediatric congenital and acquired conditions remains largely unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the applicability and effectiveness of 3D laparoscopic procedures compared to 2D laparoscopic procedures in a pediatric surgical setting.

Main Methods:

• A comparative study of pediatric patients undergoing either 3D or 2D laparoscopic surgery between May 2016 and April 2018.
• Surgeon and assistant questionnaires were used to evaluate each 3D and 2D laparoscopic procedure.

Main Results:

• The 3D group comprised 30 patients, and the 2D group included 32 patients.
• Questionnaire analysis revealed statistically significant superiority in 3D technical aspects (P=.0000), enhancing spatial orientation and depth perception, and reducing tissue manipulation and trauma.
• No significant difference was found in physical complaints (P=.7084), but surgeons reported decreased visual fatigue with 3D laparoscopy (P=.000).

Conclusions:

• Three-dimensional laparoscopic procedures are more effective in pediatric patients, improving surgeon performance.
• 3D laparoscopy facilitates surgical execution while preserving the advantages of minimally invasive surgery in children.