Minimally invasive surgery for children

Verified by , Dr. Ashwini Khanolkar, Consultant Pediatric Surgery, Apollo Children’s, Navi Mumbai.

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is a type of surgery that uses small incisions to access the body. This type of surgery is often used in children because it can help to reduce pain, scarring, and recovery time.

There are many different types of MIS procedures that can be used in children. Some common procedures include:

• Laparoscopic surgery: This type of surgery uses a thin, tube-like instrument called a laparoscope to view the inside of the abdomen. Small incisions are made in the abdomen to insert the laparoscope and other surgical instruments. Examples include laparoscopic appendectomy for appendicitis, advanced laparoscopic procedures for gastrointestinal and urological anomalies.
• Thoracoscopic Surgery: Similar to a laparoscopic surgery, thoracoscopic surgeries help to view and assist in intra thoracic procedures. Eg. VATS decortication, VATS Lung resection, Thoracoscopic CDH repair.
• Robotically assisted surgery: This type of surgery uses a robot to perform the surgery. The robot is controlled by the surgeon, who sits at a console in the operating room. Examples include Robotic Pyeloplasty for narrowing of the ureteropelvic junction (UPJ), Robotic Fundoplication for GERD.

MIS procedures offer several advantages over traditional open surgery, including:

• Less pain: Smaller incisions mean less tissue damage and pain.
• Early Mobilization: Patient is not bedridden for many days as in open surgery
• Faster recovery time: Children can usually go home the same day or the day after surgery.
• Improved cosmetic results: The smaller incisions leave less visible scarring.

MIS procedures are now possible for children too, and they are a good option for many conditions. If your child needs surgery, talk to your doctor about whether MIS is a good option for them.

Connect with our specialist, Dr. Ashwini Khanolkar, Consultant Pediatric Surgery, Apollo Children’s, Navi Mumbai for any queries related to your child’s surgery.

Call 022 6280 6280 for an appointment.