Acute abdomen. The role of laparoscopy

The child with an acute abdomen presents the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the benefits of minimal-access surgery. There are a wide variety of conditions, acquired and congenital, for which minimal-access techniques provide the distinct advantages of a cost-effective diagnosis and therapy with minimal discomfort for the patient. In the present report, the management of children with abdominal pain of unclear etiology is outlined, along with discussions of the value of minimal-access surgery in appendicitis and other conditions. Several algorithms are provided as a guideline for suggested approaches to management.