Microlaparoscopy for recurrent abdominal pain in children.
OBJECTIVE
This prospective study evaluated the diagnostic and therapeutic feasibility and safety of microlaparoscopy for the management of chronic abdominal pain in children.


METHODS
The study included 45 children (13 boys and 32 girls; age range from 6 to 16 years, average 9.5 years) undergoing diagnostic microlaparoscopy for chronic abdominal pain. Microlaparoscopy (the exclusive use of 2 mm instrument sets and small diameter scopes, i. e. 1.7 mm, 1.9 mm and 2.4 mm) was performed after common organic diseases were ruled out by careful baseline investigations.


RESULTS
No complications occurred which were related to the exclusive use of 2 mm instruments and small scopes. CT scans were avoided in all patients. No intraoperative pathological findings were found in 18 children. In another 18 children, the intraoperative findings indicated the need for further surgical intervention. At follow-up, 26 patients reported that they were totally pain-free; 10 children had partial resolution after surgery, and 8 children reported only minimal resolution. In 20 cases, the procedures were accomplished as an outpatient surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
Microlaparoscopy seems to be a safe and effective diagnostic tool with a favorable diagnostic accuracy, minimal access trauma and superior cosmesis in children.
Turial
S
S
University Medical Center, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Mainz, Germany. turial@ukmainz.de
Enders
J
J
Schwind
M
M
Schier
F
F
D015746:Abdominal Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020706:Laparoscopes; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012008:Recurrence; D016896:Treatment Outcome