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Minimally invasive surgery: the pediatric surgery experience
A M Firilas1, R J Jackson, S D Smith
1University of Arkansas School for Medical Sciences and Arkansas Children's Hospital, Little Rock 72202-3591, USA.
Journal of the American College of Surgeons
|May 16, 1998
Summary
Most pediatric surgeons now use minimally invasive surgery (MIS). While many are early in their learning curve, common procedures like laparoscopic cholecystectomy are frequently performed.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Surgical Innovation
- Minimally Invasive Techniques
Background:
- Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is increasingly vital in general surgery.
- The extent of MIS adoption by pediatric surgeons was previously unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of MIS adoption among pediatric surgeons.
- To understand the training and experience levels of pediatric surgeons in MIS.
Main Methods:
- A survey was distributed to all members of the American Pediatric Surgical Association.
- Respondents were categorized as MIS non-performers or performers.
- Performers reported on their MIS training and the volume/types of procedures performed.
Main Results:
- 82% of surveyed pediatric surgeons perform MIS.
- Laparacopic cholecystectomy (95%) and thoracoscopic procedures (71%) were most common.
- 47% of performers had completed 50 or fewer MIS procedures.
Conclusions:
- The majority of pediatric surgeons utilize MIS, with adoption rates comparable to adult general surgeons for certain procedures.
- MIS is being applied across various subspecialties within pediatric surgery.
- Pediatric surgeons appear to be in the early stages of their MIS learning curve, indicated by procedure volumes.