A big scar has long been part of having a major abdominal surgery. The scar often is a problem for younger patients who, among other things, don't like the looks of it. Surgeons use laparoscopy to treat adults for many gastrointestinal illnesses and are achieving comparable results with shorter recovery times and less scarring than traditional surgical procedures where the body is opened to allow the surgeon to observe and operate directly on a patient. In laparoscopy, surgeons make small incisions and look at the affected area through a laparoscope.
Researchers say the benefits to adult patients are obvious.
Now surgeons are applying laparoscopic techniques so children can receive the same benefits as well. Surgeons are performing a number of laparoscopic procedures on children, including a growing number of appendectomies. While removing the appendix is the appropriate treatment for appendicitis, doctors say diagnosing the painful condition isn't always easy. Sometimes it is necessary to look inside the body. Laparoscopy lets them make tiny incisions and get a direct view of the appendix.