Our Summary

This research paper reviews multiple studies on the use of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) in children. MIS is a type of surgery that uses small incisions and specialized tools, and is becoming more common in pediatric surgery. The researchers performed a comprehensive literature review to compare MIS with traditional open surgery in children.

They found that MIS has several advantages, including shorter hospital stays, quicker return to normal eating, and lower rates of complications. However, it also has some disadvantages, such as longer operation times, a higher chance of certain conditions returning, and a lower survival rate of the native liver following a specific type of procedure.

Overall, the advantages of MIS appear to outweigh the disadvantages, but the authors note that more high-quality, randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings for most procedures.

FAQs

  1. What is minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and how is it being utilized in pediatric surgery?
  2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using MIS in children compared to traditional open surgery?
  3. What further research is needed to confirm the benefits of MIS in pediatric surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about minimally invasive surgery is to follow all pre-operative instructions carefully, such as fasting before the surgery and stopping certain medications as directed. It is also important to communicate any concerns or questions with your healthcare team before the procedure. After surgery, following post-operative care instructions, such as taking prescribed medications and attending follow-up appointments, is crucial for a successful recovery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for minimally invasive surgery include those who require less invasive procedures, have smaller incisions, faster recovery times, and lower rates of complications compared to traditional open surgery. This may include patients with conditions such as appendicitis, gallbladder disease, hernias, gastrointestinal issues, and certain types of cancer.

Children are also increasingly being recommended for minimally invasive surgery, as studies have shown that they tend to have better outcomes and quicker recoveries with this approach. Additionally, patients who are at higher risk for complications with traditional open surgery, such as older adults or those with underlying health conditions, may also be recommended for minimally invasive surgery to reduce their risk of complications and improve their recovery.

Overall, minimally invasive surgery is recommended for a wide range of patients who can benefit from its advantages, including faster recovery times, smaller incisions, and lower rates of complications. However, it is important for healthcare providers to carefully evaluate each patient’s individual needs and circumstances to determine the most appropriate surgical approach for their specific condition.

Timeline

Before minimally invasive surgery:

  1. Patient consults with a surgeon to discuss surgical options and determine if they are a candidate for MIS.
  2. Pre-operative testing and evaluations are conducted to ensure the patient is healthy enough for surgery.
  3. Patient may need to undergo additional imaging studies to help guide the surgeon during the procedure.
  4. Patient receives instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including fasting and medication adjustments.

After minimally invasive surgery:

  1. Patient wakes up in the recovery room and is monitored closely by medical staff.
  2. Patient may experience some pain and discomfort, but this is typically less than with traditional open surgery.
  3. Patient is gradually allowed to start moving and eating, under the supervision of medical staff.
  4. Patient is discharged from the hospital sooner than with open surgery, typically within a day or two.
  5. Patient follows up with the surgeon for post-operative care and monitoring to ensure proper healing and recovery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about minimally invasive surgery include:

  1. What are the specific benefits of minimally invasive surgery compared to traditional open surgery for my condition?
  2. What are the potential risks or complications associated with minimally invasive surgery?
  3. How experienced are you in performing minimally invasive surgery for this specific procedure?
  4. How long is the recovery time after minimally invasive surgery compared to traditional open surgery?
  5. Will I have smaller scars and less pain with minimally invasive surgery?
  6. Are there any specific criteria that make me a good candidate for minimally invasive surgery?
  7. How long will the operation take and how soon can I return to my normal activities after minimally invasive surgery?
  8. What type of follow-up care will be needed after minimally invasive surgery?
  9. Are there any specific lifestyle changes or restrictions I should be aware of after minimally invasive surgery?
  10. Are there any long-term effects or considerations I should be aware of with minimally invasive surgery for my condition?

Reference

Authors: Schukfeh N, Kuebler JF, Dingemann J, Ure BM. Journal: Eur J Pediatr Surg. 2020 Oct;30(5):420-428. doi: 10.1055/s-0039-1687901. Epub 2019 Apr 23. PMID: 31013537