Pediatric inguinal hernias are indirect, resulting from a persistent patent processus vaginalis (PPV). These hernias will not spontaneously heal and carry a serious, persistent risk of incarceration. Consequently, surgical repair is typically advised soon after diagnosis to minimize the risk of incarceration.
This report details a 4-year-old girl with a reducible left inguinal hernia containing the greater omentum undergoing minimally invasive laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure (LPEC). LPEC offers improved visualization, superior cosmetic results, and the ability to identify and repair contralateral PPV during the same procedure, which reduces the risk of metachronous hernia—particularly in girls, where the technique is technically straightforward.
Hereditary spherocytosis (HS) is a form of inherited hemolytic anemia seen in children. HS is characterized by anemia, jaundice, splenomegaly, and complications such as gallstone formation or growth delay. While mild cases may be managed conservatively, splenectomy remains the definitive treatment for patients with severe symptoms or complications. This case presents a 10-year-old male with HS who presented with anemia, fatigue, abdominal pain, and palpable splenomegaly. He was found to have splenomegaly with a splenic length of 19.6 cm. He ultimately underwent a laparoscopic total splenectomy after receiving appropriate preoperative vaccinations. The procedure was completed successfully without complications, and the patient was discharged on post-op day 3. At follow-up, he demonstrated improved hemoglobin levels, resolution of abdominal pain, and no early complications. This case highlights the role of laparoscopic total splenectomy as a safe and effective treatment for pediatric patients with hereditary spherocytosis and massive splenomegaly, offering durable hematologic improvement with the benefits of a minimally invasive approach.
The laparoscopic approach is widely regarded as the preferred surgical method for gallbladder removal procedures. The operating room setup for laparoscopic cholecystectomy follows established protocols that provide patient safety through the use of aseptic technique and AORN guidelines for surgical counts. These procedures form the foundation for successful surgery and are covered in this article.
A gastrocutaneous fistula is an abnormal connection between the stomach and skin, most commonly occurring after removal of a gastrostomy feeding tube. This video demonstrates the surgical technique of laparoscopic takedown of a gastrocutaneous fistula, performed in conjunction with upper endoscopy. The patient is a pediatric patient with a history of gastrostomy tube placement and Nissen fundoplication for reflux during infancy. Despite removal of the tube, the fistula persisted. Prior endoscopic interventions, including over-the-scope clip placement, were unsuccessful. Due to ongoing drainage and patient preference for definitive closure, surgical intervention was pursued.
This video is a comprehensive step-by-step demonstration of laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair using the TEP method. It features a middle-aged male with bilateral inguinal hernias who has experienced left groin pain for several years. This case is significant as it showcases the efficiency of laparoscopic techniques in addressing bilateral hernias, which are relatively common, through a single surgical procedure. The detailed description of the procedure provides valuable insights for surgeons at various stages of their careers. For novice surgeons, it offers a step-by-step guide to the TEP technique, highlighting critical anatomical landmarks and potential pitfalls. Experienced surgeons may benefit from the nuanced discussions on tissue handling, dissection techniques, and mesh placement.
Laparoscopic-Assisted Right Hemicolectomy Anthony D. Douglas II, MD; Derrius Anderson, MD; Jelani Williams, MD; Rowan Hussein; Ashley Russell; Konstantin Umanskiy, MD UChicago Medicine
The patient-centered environment of the operating room often precludes extensive intraoperative discussions or detailed explanations between a resident and the attending surgeon. This constraint in real-time feedback poses a challenge for surgical residents to refine their surgical skills. Implementation of a structured case review between attendings and senior residents at interval timepoints of their rotations could support addressing this gap. This case presents a laparoscopic right hemicolectomy. This procedure removes a portion of the colon and is commonly indicated for colon cancer. In this video article, a senior general surgery resident participates in the procedure and then engages in a structured case review with their attending, analyzing the fundamental steps of the procedure as well as identifying opportunities for technical improvement and enhancement of intraoperative decision-making.
Laparoscopic Gastric Wedge Resection for a GIST Vahagn G. Hambardzumyan, MD1; Martin Goodman, MD2 1Yerevan State Medical University, Heratsi Hospital Complex 2Tufts University School of Medicine
The stomach is involved in multiple common ailments, including gastroesophageal reflux disease, gastric ulcers, and cancer, the latter of which can take many forms. Originally, GISTs arise from the connective tissue, or stroma, of the stomach, rather than the lining, from which the more common and more deadly gastric adenocarcinoma finds its origin. However, over time, study revealed that GIST arises from a very specific cell, called the interstitial cells of Cajal, that are responsible for the timing of contraction in the stomach and small intestine. GIST masses generally behave more indolently than gastric adenocarcinoma, with distant or lymph node metastases a rare feature, although involvement of the liver and peritoneum has been described. Due to this indolent nature, certain masses, once they have been identified as GIST through endoscopic biopsy, are candidates for surveillance. However, larger masses (as identified through evidence of necrosis on imaging) and rapidly growing masses are treated primarily with surgical resection. While in the past surgical resection would have involved a large abdominal incision and a lengthy postoperative recovery, laparoscopic techniques have allowed gastric resection to become a short procedure necessitating only an overnight stay.
The gold standard for achalasia is surgical correction via laparoscopic Heller myotomy with a partial fundoplication. The goal of this technical report is to illustrate the authors preferred approach to patients with achalasia and to provide the reader with a detailed description of his operative technique, its rationale, and preoperative and postoperative management.
This case illustrates a laparoscopic resection of a gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST): the most common mesenchymal tumor found in the gastrointestinal tract. GISTs can be found anywhere along the gastrointestinal tract; however, they are most commonly found in the stomach and small intestine. These tumors are often associated with mutations in the KIT (receptor tyrosine kinase) and PDGFRA (platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha) genes. Because it is difficult to achieve a permanent cure using protein tyrosine kinase inhibitors, such as imatinib, surgical resection is the recommended therapy in most cases. While the surgical approach may vary on tumor characteristics, the laparoscopic approach is associated with low perioperative morbidity and mortality.
The origins of laparoscopic surgery trace back to the introduction of diagnostic laparoscopy in the 1960s. Subsequently, the approach underwent a notable evolution, transitioning from a primarily diagnostic procedure to a surgical technique. Laparoscopy, a type of minimally invasive surgery, was introduced to address issues related to significant tissue trauma, large cosmetic scars, and prolonged hospitalizations. This video provides a step-by-step demonstration of the assembly, disassembly, use, and handling of laparoscopic tools on the example of a basic Karl Storz laparoscopy kit.
