Eur J Pediatr Surg 2020; 30(02): 181-186
DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1703009
Review Article
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Is the Laparotomy Here to Stay? A Review of the Disadvantages of Laparoscopy

Brian C. Gulack
1   Division of General and Thoracic Surgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
,
Kaitlyn Wong
1   Division of General and Thoracic Surgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
,
Eric Sparks
1   Division of General and Thoracic Surgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
,
Joshua Ramjist
1   Division of General and Thoracic Surgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
,
Haitao Zhu
1   Division of General and Thoracic Surgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
,
Agostino Pierro
1   Division of General and Thoracic Surgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

14 January 2020

21 January 2020

Publication Date:
02 April 2020 (online)

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Abstract

Minimally invasive procedures have seen increasing utilization in the pediatric patient population since the 1990s. Most thoracic and abdominal operations in pediatric surgery can be performed in a minimally invasive manner including those performed in neonates and infants. Thoracoscopic or laparoscopic operations can reduce hospital length of stay, minimize postoperative pain, and lead to more aesthetic results. However, it is important to be aware of the inherent risks, limitations, and adverse effects associated with these thoracoscopic and laparoscopic techniques, particularly in special populations. In this article, we will review the risks and limitations of laparoscopy in pediatric patients such as cost, operative time, reduced effectiveness, air embolism, hypercarbia, hypothermia, and access-related injuries.