Our Summary
This study looked at results from surgeries performed on children with and without congenital heart disease (CHD), a condition they’re born with that affects the structure of their heart. The study compared results for two types of surgery: open surgery and laparoscopic surgery, which is less invasive and done through small incisions in the abdomen.
The researchers found that, for children with minor CHD, laparoscopic surgery had better results, with lower death rates both within the hospital and within 30 days of surgery. These children also had fewer complications from the surgery. However, as the severity of the CHD increased, the benefits of laparoscopic surgery decreased. They also found that children who had laparoscopic surgery had shorter hospital stays, but were more likely to be readmitted later.
In general, laparoscopic surgery was linked to lower chances of needing a blood transfusion after surgery for all children.
The study concluded that laparoscopic surgery has better outcomes for children with no CHD or minor CHD, but not for those with more severe CHD.
FAQs
- What are the benefits of laparoscopic surgery in children with minor congenital heart disease (CHD)?
- Does the severity of CHD affect the outcomes of laparoscopic surgery?
- Is there a higher chance of needing a blood transfusion after an open surgery compared to laparoscopic surgery in children?
Doctor’s Tip
A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about laparoscopic surgery is that it is a minimally invasive procedure that typically results in faster recovery times, less pain, and smaller scars compared to traditional open surgery. It is important to follow your doctor’s post-operative instructions carefully to ensure a smooth recovery.
Suitable For
Patients who are typically recommended for laparoscopic surgery include those with minor congenital heart disease, as well as those without any heart conditions. This type of surgery is often preferred for patients who are looking for a less invasive option with faster recovery times and fewer complications. Patients who are at a higher risk for complications or have more severe heart conditions may not be ideal candidates for laparoscopic surgery and may require a more traditional open surgery approach.
Timeline
Before laparoscopic surgery, a patient will typically undergo a consultation with their surgeon to discuss the procedure, potential risks and benefits, and to plan for the surgery. They may also undergo pre-operative testing such as blood work, imaging scans, and other diagnostic tests.
On the day of the surgery, the patient will be admitted to the hospital and prepared for the procedure. They will be given anesthesia to put them to sleep and prevent pain during the surgery.
During laparoscopic surgery, the surgeon will make small incisions in the abdomen and insert a camera and surgical instruments to perform the procedure. The surgeon will use the camera to guide them and perform the necessary steps to complete the surgery.
After laparoscopic surgery, the patient will be monitored in a recovery room before being transferred to a hospital room or discharged home. They may experience some pain or discomfort at the incision sites, which can be managed with medication. The patient will be given post-operative instructions for caring for the incisions, diet restrictions, and activity limitations.
In the weeks following laparoscopic surgery, the patient will have follow-up appointments with their surgeon to monitor their recovery and ensure that there are no complications. They may also undergo physical therapy or rehabilitation to help with their recovery.
Overall, laparoscopic surgery offers many benefits compared to traditional open surgery, including shorter hospital stays, less pain, faster recovery, and lower risk of complications. However, the suitability of laparoscopic surgery will depend on the individual patient’s condition and the complexity of the surgery required.
What to Ask Your Doctor
- Is laparoscopic surgery a suitable option for my specific condition and health status?
- What are the potential benefits of laparoscopic surgery compared to open surgery?
- Are there any potential risks or complications associated with laparoscopic surgery?
- How experienced are you in performing laparoscopic surgery for my condition?
- What is the expected recovery time and post-operative care for laparoscopic surgery?
- Will I need any follow-up procedures or treatments after laparoscopic surgery?
- Are there any long-term effects or considerations to be aware of with laparoscopic surgery?
- How does the cost of laparoscopic surgery compare to open surgery, including any potential out-of-pocket expenses?
- What are the alternative treatment options available for my condition, and how do they compare to laparoscopic surgery?
- Can you provide me with information or resources to help me better understand the benefits and risks of laparoscopic surgery for my specific situation?
Reference
Authors: Chu DI, Tan JM, Mattei P, Simpao AF, Costarino AT, Shukla AR, Rossano JW, Tasian GE. Journal: J Pediatr Surg. 2018 Oct;53(10):1980-1988. doi: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2017.10.052. Epub 2017 Nov 20. PMID: 29157923