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Published on: March 2, 2020
Digitally assisted laparoscopic drainage of multiple intraabdominal abscesses
H B Kim1, M B Gregor, S J Boley
1Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY.
Abstract:
Laparoscopic drainage of multiple walled off intraabdominal abscesses may be difficult to perform safely due to a lack of tactile sensation. A single finger introduced through a small abdominal incision can be used to aid in the dissection and may obviate the need for open laparotomy in some cases. Digitally-assisted laparoscopic exploration and dissection utilizes the superior visualization of laparoscopy without completely sacrificing the benefits of tactile sensation. A case is reported in which this technique was successfully employed to drain multiple intraabdominal abscesses in a young boy.
Insights
Digitally-assisted laparoscopic exploration uses a finger to improve tactile sensation during abdominal abscess drainage. This technique can help surgeons safely manage complex intraabdominal abscesses, potentially avoiding open surgery.
Area of Science:
- Minimally invasive surgery
- Surgical oncology
- Pediatric surgery
Background:
- Laparoscopic drainage of intraabdominal abscesses can be challenging due to limited tactile feedback.
- Walled-off abscesses present unique difficulties for laparoscopic dissection.
- Lack of tactile sensation increases the risk of complications during laparoscopic procedures.
Observation:
- A novel technique, digitally-assisted laparoscopic exploration and dissection, was utilized.
- This method involves introducing a single finger through a small abdominal incision.
- The finger aids in dissection, providing tactile feedback during the laparoscopic procedure.
Findings:
- The technique successfully facilitated the drainage of multiple intraabdominal abscesses in a pediatric patient.
- It combined the visual advantages of laparoscopy with essential tactile sensation.
- The use of digital assistance potentially obviated the need for a more invasive open laparotomy.
Implications:
- Digitally-assisted laparoscopy offers a safer approach for complex intraabdominal abscess drainage.
- This technique may expand the applicability of minimally invasive surgery in pediatric cases.
- It highlights the potential for integrating tactile feedback into laparoscopic surgery for improved outcomes.
