LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY IN CHILDREN - INITIAL EXPERIENCE AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Our initial experience with laparoscopic cholecystectomy in children and the modification of techniques required for pediatric surgical patients is reported. Six children aged 6 to 17 years underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for symptomatic cholelithiasis. All patients had biliary colic and did not require concomitant intraabdominal surgical procedures. Average operative time was 89 minutes; none were converted to open cholecystectomy. One patient returned home the evening of surgery, two patients were discharged the following morning, and two patients were discharged 2 days following the procedure because of their distance from home. There were no complications. All patients have remained asymptomatic on follow-up of 1 to 5 months. Based on this initial experience, several changes in the technique as reported in adults are recommended. Due to the softness and laxity of the anterior abdominal wall, an infraumbilical incision for the 10-mm camera trocar is more cosmetically acceptable and just as efficient. There is a smaller intraabdominal space with which to work, tempting one to overinflate the abdomen for better visualization. Care should be taken to ensure that the intraabdominal presure does not exceed 15 mm Hg despite the small volumes required to do so. Placement of the second epigastric incision is more inferior and lateral than the standard recommendation for adults. The cystic duct must be controlled as early as possible in the operative course to prevent egress of stones from the gallbladder into the common duct. In one patient, these migrating stones were milked back into the gallbladder and a second clip placed. It is imperative that the entire length of the cystic duct be well visualized and clearly defined before clips are placed. Smaller titanium clips may be used. Blunt dissection with electrocautery is a safe and expedient method of dissection. Laser dissection is not recommended for pediatric cholecystectomies. Based on our very encouraging early experience, when no other concomitant procedure is required, we strongly recommend laparoscopic cholecystectomy for any pediatric patient with symptomatic cholelithiasis. © 1992.