404-982-9938
© 1999-2005 Emory Children's Center and Atlanta Pediatric Surgery, Inc.
|
ATLANTA PEDIATRIC SURGERY,
INC./
|
|
|
MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGERYThe Division of Pediatric Surgery of Emory University at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston has one of the largest minimally invasive surgery programs country. We have over 28 years of combined experience with laparoscopic and thoracoscopic procedures. Most minimally invasive procedures are performed with small telescopes and instruments placed through the abdominal wall (laparoscopy) or through the chest wall (thoracoscopy). Laparoscopic and thoracoscopic surgery is often mistakenly called laser surgery. Lasers are not usually used for most operations. Laparoscopic procedures are performed by inflating the abdomen with carbon dioxide gas. A telescope and instruments are then placed into the abdomen to perform the operation. The operation is done through several (usually 3 to 5) punctures that are from 3-5 millimeters (~1/8-1/4 inches) in length. Occasionally a 10 or 12 millimeter (~1/2 inch) port is needed. Thoracoscopic procedures are performed in a similar manner through the chest wall. There are many different procedures that can be performed using minimally invasive techniques. These operations include appendectomy, bowel operations, fundoplication for gastroesophogeal reflux, pyloromyotomy, hernia, pectus excavatum repair, lung biopsy, lung resection and many other procedures. Surgery can be performed laparoscopically or thoracoscopically on children of all sizes. Most children who have minimally invasive operations will have much less pain and faster recovery than children who undergo similar procedures using traditional incisions. |
|
|