How to Prepare for a Laparoscopic Surgery (key-hole) in Children?

The laparoscopic surgery, commonly referred to as key-hole surgery and minimally invasive surgery (MIS), has completely revolutionized the way in which surgical care is imparted to children. Much different from the traditional concept of open surgery that needed huge incisions, these latest laparoscopic procedures involve merely minor cuts through which the specialized long and thin instruments and a minute camera are inserted. The whole setup actually allows the surgeons to perform highly complex procedures with great precision, and with minimal chances of leaving any trauma to the child's body.

How is the laparoscopic surgery performed?

In simple terms, laparoscopic surgery is performed using a specialized instrument called a laparoscope. It is a thin tool with a video camera and a light at the end. This instrument is carefully inserted into the body through a small incision, allowing surgeons to visualize internal organs clearly on a monitor in a magnified, detailed view.

What are the key advantages of getting a Laparoscopic surgery done?

Some of the key advantages of a Laparoscopic surgery in kids include the following:

● Tiny incisions:

One of the most significant advantages of laparoscopic surgery is that only tiny incisions, in the range of 3mm, 5mm, or 1cm, are made, allowing the same effectiveness as conventional surgeries. Smaller incisions cause less pain and scarring and eliminate the risk of wound infection.

● Quicker recovery:

It is seen that children return faster to their regular routine when they are treated using the laparoscopic surgical treatments than the open surgery.

● Lesser pain:

Postoperative discomfort is much lower in laparoscopic surgeries.

● Offers better visualization:

The camera inserted during the laparoscopic procedure provides surgeons with a magnified, detailed view of the internal organs.

What are the conditions that can be treated using laparoscopy in children?

The best feature of laparoscopic treatments is that they are effective in safely treating both minor and major abdominal conditions in children. Some of the common health conditions that can be treated using laparoscopy include:

● Appendicitis: This procedure involves removing an inflamed appendix.

● Hernias: This involves repairing inguinal or umbilical hernias.

● Gallbladder issues: The procedure involves the removal of the gallbladder and choledochal cysts.

● Congenital conditions: Treatment involves correcting pyloric stenosis, vesicoureteral reflux, and ureteropelvic junction obstruction.

Key pointers regarding laparoscopic surgery (key-hole) in children:

● Adequate preoperative preparation:

A specific preparation must be done before laparoscopic surgery. The children need careful preparation, as this is essential to ensure a smooth recovery and safety. One prime requirement is to keep the body in a fasting state for a few hours before surgery. The requirement is there to minimize the risk of complications that might arise during anesthesia.

● Routine investigations:

Specific routine investigations and blood tests must be performed to ensure fitness for surgery. Expect the surgeon and the anesthetist to explain the procedure in detail and to ask about the benefits and risks. Also, the parents must share their child's medical history, allergies, or ongoing medications.

● Hospital stay is recommended:

The laparoscopic surgery requires the patient to stay at the hospital, though the duration is shorter than with traditional methods. For instance, for minor procedures such as hernia repair, children might be discharged the same day once they are fully awake and stable. A quick recovery helps reduce the child's stress and supports the family in returning to their routine more quickly.

● Never skip postoperative care:

The pain that follows a laparoscopic surgical treatment can be well-managed with mild medications and gradual movement after the surgery.

Final Verdict!

Being open to laparoscopic surgeries is an excellent surgical treatment for children. Make sure you seek medical treatment only from expert pediatric surgeons, so each medical procedure is performed with utmost care and responsibility. You must always look for surgeons' expertise, advanced technology, anesthetic expertise, and child-friendly facilities.

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G.M. Irfan is the best Laparoscopic surgeon in Hyderabad, and the experts will ensure that your child gets the best care in the safest environment.