Role of Minimally Invasive Surgery in Management of Penetrating Abdominal Trauma in Children

Plain-language summary

Exploratory laparotomy has been traditionally used for managing penetrating abdominal trauma (PAT). Currently, minimally invasive surgery (for diagnosis and treatment purposes) is a well-established and rapidly growing modality for dealing with penetrating abdominal trauma in stable children. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and outcomes and emphasize the importance of timely intervention by minimally invasive surgery for PAT possessing the potential to violate the peritoneum in stable pediatric victims. This prospective study was carried out on 102 hemodynamically stable pediatric cases with highly suspicious penetrating abdominal trauma (caused by gunshot, stab, \& accidental stab), admitted and managed by minimally invasive surgery (laparoscopy \& laparoscopic-assisted procedures). Information recorded for analysis included demographic data, anatomical location of injury, organs affected, operative findings, operative time, need for conversion to laparoscopic-assisted approach, length of stay, complications, missed injury, and mortality rate. A total of 102 pediatric cases with highly suspicious penetrating abdominal trauma (PAT) were managed by minimally invasive surgery (MIS). They were 62 males and 40 females with mean age of 7.3±0.6 years (range, 1-14 years). They included 39 cases of gunshot, 30 cases of stab abdomen, and 33 cases of accidental stab. In this study, there was 100% accuracy in defining the injured organs with zero percent missed injuries in addition to effective therapeutic potential as regard the role of minimally invasive surgery in management of penetrating abdominal trauma in children. Type of Study: Prospective cohort study

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