Minimal
Access, Video-assisted (Laparoscopic and Thoracoscopic) Surgery
Right:
A child who underwent laparoscopic surgery through an incision near the
bellybutton.
Advances
in video technology have enabled surgeons to perform complex procedures
without the traditional unsightly and painful incisions of the past. The
use of Minimal Access techniques or "Nintendo Surgery" in infants and children
requires surgical and anesthetic expertise, as well as instruments specifically
made for conditions common in infants and children.
The Division
of Pediatric Surgery at the Children's Hospital of NewYork Presbyterian
launched the first video-assisted surgical program in the Tri-State area
dedicated exclusively for children. During the last 4 years we have
performed more than 500 Minimal Access procedures on infants and children,
from the newborn period through adolescence, with a dramatic reduction
in hospital stay and need for postoperative narcotics.
We have used
Minimal Access techniques for both diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
These have included correction of acute appendicitis, pyloric stenosis,
evaluation for a contralateral hernia, colon pull-through procedures, removal
of the spleen and gall bladder, undescended testis and varicocele, ovarian
cysts, abdominal and chest tumor biopsy and staging, drainage of serious
chest infection after pneumonia, insertion of dialysis and shunt tubes,
anti-reflux procedures, repair of pectus excavatum, and treatment of children
with chronic lower abdominal pain.
What
should parents and patients expect?
Several
small incisions, each 1/4 to 1/2 inch in length, are used instead of one
larger incision. These little incisions are usually much less uncomfortable,
so the period necessary for healing is shorter and the child's activity
is not restricted.
Each
incision is injected with local anesthesia which is often all the pain
medicine that is needed. Tylenol is used to supplement any post-operative
pain.
Sometimes
abdominal cramping and shoulder pain occurs for up to 6-12 hours after
laparoscopy, due to "trapped air." This quickly resolves as the child's
activity increases.
Infrequently,
video-assisted procedures are converted to standard "open" procedures if
there are unexpected findings. (Your surgeon can explain to you what
might make this necessary in your child's particular case.) All necessary
standard surgical instruments and staff are available during every Minimal
Access procedure.
Disclaimer:All material included in this site is intended for informational purposes only.
Readers are encouraged to confirm the information contained herein with other sources. Parents and patients should review the
information carefully with their pediatrician, family physician, or other professional health care provider. The information is not
intended, and should not be used, to replace medical advice offered by physicians. Columbia-Presbyterian and Weill-Cornell Medical
Centers, the Children's Hospital of NewYork-Presbyterian, and the Division of Pediatric Surgery will not be liable for any direct, indirect,
consequential, special, exemplary, or other damages arising therefrom.
Right:
A child who underwent laparoscopic surgery through an incision near the
bellybutton.
Advances
in video technology have enabled surgeons to perform complex procedures
without the traditional unsightly and painful incisions of the past. The
use of Minimal Access techniques or "Nintendo Surgery" in infants and children
requires surgical and anesthetic expertise, as well as instruments specifically
made for conditions common in infants and children.
The Division
of Pediatric Surgery at the Children's Hospital of NewYork Presbyterian
launched the first video-assisted surgical program in the Tri-State area
dedicated exclusively for children. During the last 4 years we have
performed more than 500 Minimal Access procedures on infants and children,
from the newborn period through adolescence, with a dramatic reduction
in hospital stay and need for postoperative narcotics.
Several
small incisions, each 1/4 to 1/2 inch in length, are used instead of one
larger incision. These little incisions are usually much less uncomfortable,
so the period necessary for healing is shorter and the child's activity
is not restricted.
