Minimally invasive surgery
Minimally invasive procedures
Technological advancements have now allowed surgeons to do many surgical procedures in a minimally invasive manner. Instead of traditional incisions, which may require weeks for complete healing, minimally invasive procedures use instruments that allow physicians to see inside the body and perform the needed procedures with only small incisions for more rapid healing.
Thoracoscopic procedures involve the chest, while laparascopic procedures involve the abdomen. Scopes used in either area are useful for diagnostic testing, however many therapeutic interventions can also be done via scopes with special instruments designed for use through access tubes.
Examples of procedures that lend themselves well to minimally invasive surgery are some cases of appendectomy, many cases of intra-abdominal or interthoracic biopsy, reconstruction of congenital lesions, identification and descent of a non-descended testis, some forms of chest wall reconstruction and diagnostic thoracoscopy/diagnostic laparoscopy. The technology for minimally invasive procedures is changing rapidly, however, and the list of possible procedures done with scopes is in constant revision.
There are a host of reasons why thoracoscopic/laparoscopic procedures may be indicated or contraindicated for any given child. If a family is interested in exploring these, a thorough discussion with the attending pediatric surgeon should occur. In addition, surgeons will present these alternatives when they think they are in the best interest of the child.