Procedures that can be performed using minimally invasive techniques in pediatric patients:
Note: Almost any surgical procedure done open can be done using minimally invasive technique in children. Each case must be evaluated carefully in order to determine if the use of such technique is appropriate for a specific patient. Not all patients are good candidates for certain types of minimally invasive surgery.
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy:Removal of the gallbladder and gallstones
Laparoscopic bile duct exploration:Exploration and extraction of gallstones located in the bile duct
Laparoscopic appendectomy:Removal of an infected appendix. Also includes cases of ruptured & perforated appendicitis with generalized intra-abdominal infection and abscess
Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication:Creation of an anti-reflux valve in the stomach for treatment of gastroesophageal reflux and chronic vomiting
Laparoscopic Heller myotomy:Opening of the muscles in the lower esophagus for treatment of achalasia (difficulty swallowing food)
Laparoscopic enterolysis:Freeing of intestinal adhesions, a common cause of intestinal obstruction
Laparoscopic bowel resection:Removal of parts of the intestine for treatment of disorders of the colon and small bowel
Laparoscopic assisted reversal of colostomy:Reversal of temporary colostomies and ileostomies
Laparoscopic reduction of intussusception:Treatment for intestinal obstruction in infants that allows for reversal of a common form of small bowel obstruction. It rarely requires removal of any segment of intestine
Laparoscopic pyloromyotomy:Relief of an obstruction of the stomach caused by an enlarged pyloric muscle, a common condition found in young babies
Laparoscopic repair of hernias:Evaluation of various types of abdominal wall and inguinal hernias in young children and infants allowing for precise surgical repair, using laparoscopic techniques
Laparoscopic/Needlescopic inguinal hernia repair: Repair of inguinal hernias in children with micro-incisions
Laparoscopic mesh repair of incisional hernias:Correction of large incisional abdominal wall hernias using an artificial mesh
Laparoscopic tumor biopsy:Sampling of tissue from various types of intra-abdominal tumors
Laparoscopic resection of Meckel's diverticulum:Removal of a congenital abnormality of the small bowel which frequently causes infection, bleeding, or an intestinal obstruction
Laparoscopic splenectomy:Removal of the spleen in children with hematological disorders
Laparoscopic tumor staging:Staging procedure used for certain types of tumor affecting the abdomen
Laparoscopic lymphadenectomy:Removal of lymphnodes affected by tumors from the abdomen
Laparoscopic gastrostomy:Creation of an opening in the stomach for nutritional support of children with failure to thrive and malnutrition
Laparoscopic jejunostomy:Creation of an opening in the small bowel for nutritional support
Laparoscopic pelvic exploration:Evaluation for pelvic pathology in young females, including endometriosis, tubo-ovarian pathology and infection
Laparoscopic oophorectomy and cystectomy:Removal of a diseased ovary and/or ovarian cyst
Laparoscopic exploration for undescended testicle:Exploration of the abdomen for boys with an intra-abdominal testicle
Laparoscopic orchiopexy:Correction of a testicle that is not in its normal location in the scrotal sac
Laparoscopic varicocelectomy:Treatment for engorged testicular veins
Laparoscopic liver biopsy:Biopsy of the liver for the diagnosis of various conditions and infections that can affect the liver
Laparoscopic resection of omental cysts:Removal of congenital cysts from the abdomen
Laparoscopic pull-through for Hirschsprungճ disease:Treatment for a form of distal intestinal obstruction in babies with removal of part of the colon and rectum. This technique typically eliminates the need for a colostomy
Laparoscopic rectopexy:Treatment for rectal prolapse
Laparoscopic nephrectomy:Removal of a diseased kidney or harvesting of a kidney for transplantation
Laparoscopic adrenalectomy:Removal of the adrenal gland
Laparoscopic repair of the diaphragm:Repair of the diaphragm in selected babies born with a partially absent diaphragm
Thoracoscopic and minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum:Minimally invasive technique that allows for the correction of congenital chest wall malformations eliminating the need for rib resection and sternal fracture
Thoracoscopic lung biopsy and wedge resection:Sampling of lung tissue for the diagnosis of various pulmonary conditions that affect infants and children
Thoracoscopic lobectomy:Removal of a diseased lobe of the lung
Thoracoscopic excision-plication of Bullae:Removal of abnormal lung blebs that can cause leakage of air from the lungs into the pleural cavity
Thoracoscopic pleural drainage:Drainage of fluid and/or blood for the chest cavity with placement of a chest tube
Thoracoscopic pleurodesis:Treatment for cases of recurrent accumulation of fluid or air in the lining of the lungs
Thoracoscopic sympathectomy:Division of chest nerves for treatment of sweaty hands
Thoracoscopic mediastinal exploration:Evaluation of the central portion of the chest, a common site for various types of tumors of childhood
Thoracoscopic decortication for empyema:Treatment of a severe infection of the lining of the lungs
Thoracoscopic resection of mediastinal cysts:Removal of congenital cysts from the chest and mediastinum
Thoracoscopic tumor biopsy:Sampling of various types of tumors of the chest in order to determine the tissue type and possible treatment options
Thoracoscopic scoliosis surgery:Manipulation and exposure of the thoracic spine for treatment of congenital deformity of the spine
Thoracoscopic creation of a pericardial window:Opening of the sac covering the heart to remove fluid that may be compromising cardiac function
Thoracoscopic repair of esophageal atresia:Repair of the esophagus in selected babies born with part of the esophagus missing and abnormally connected to the trachea
