Laparoscopy in Children

Laparoscopy is a type of surgery that's done by making a few very small cuts, or incisions... which can heal quickly. During the surgery, a doctor puts thin tubes, a lighted scope, and other surgical tools through small cuts in the belly. The belly is inflated slightly with air... to help create room for the doctor to operate. The scope allows the doctor to see inside the belly. The tools can be used to repair or remove tissues or an organ that's infected or causing problems. Stitches, staples, or small pieces of special tape are used to close the cuts. They heal quickly and leave scars that usually fade over time. Recovery from laparoscopy is usually faster and less painful than recovery from surgery that uses one larger cut, called open surgery. And the hospital stay may be shorter.