Technical report on the initial cases of single-incision laparoscopic combined cholecystectomy and splenectomy in children, using conventional instruments.
OBJECTIVE
The authors report a technique to perform single-incision laparoscopic combined cholecystectomy and splenectomy in 3 children using conventional instruments.


METHODS
Three ports, including 5-mm and 3-mm ports, were placed through an infraumbilical incision for the procedure. Splenectomy was completed in most parts by crossing the 2 straight instruments.


RESULTS
The 3 patients, aged 11 to 13 years, with body weight 29 kg to 32 kg, underwent the procedure. In the first patient, 2 additional extraumbilical 5-mm ports were required to complete the splenectomy. After modification of the technique, combined cholecystectomy and splenectomy by SILS were successfully performed in the other 2 patients without complications, and postoperative courses were uneventful.


CONCLUSIONS
Combined cholecystectomy and splenectomy in children by SILS is technically feasible using conventional instruments. Further studies are required to investigate its safety, benefits over conventional laparoscopic surgery, and refinements in the technique.
Tam
Yuk Him
YH
Division of Paediatric Surgery and Paediatric Urology, Department of Surgery, Prince of Wales Hospital, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China. pyhtam@hotmail.com
Lee
Kim Hung
KH
Chan
Kin Wai
KW
Sihoe
Jennifer Dart Yin
JD
Cheung
Sing Tak
ST
Pang
Kristine Kit Yi
KK
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D017081:Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013156:Splenectomy / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D016896:Treatment Outcome