A modified open technique using the Veress needle through facial defect for port insertion in pediatric laparoscopy

Abstract

Laparoscopic procedures are being performed in infants and children much more frequently. Nevertheless, there is anxiety about complications resulting from port insertion due to the smaller abdominal cavity in children. Most complications are related to the entry of the first port. In this study, we present our patients who underwent laparoscopy using our modified Veress needle technique. The hospital records of the patients who underwent laparoscopy between 2010 and 2015 were evaluated retrospectively regarding intraoperative and postoperative complications. In all patients, the first port was inserted using our modified Veress needle technique. Laparoscopic procedures were performed on 139 patients. There were no major intraoperative or postoperative complications such as visceral or vascular injury in our patients. Only 5 (3.5%) minor complications were determined intraoperatively. Minor intraoperative complications included port dislocation (n = 2), intra-abdominal gas leakage (n = 1), subcutaneous emphysema (n = 1), and abdominal wall bleeding (n = 1). There were no minor complications postoperatively. In our technique, the umbilicus is pulled upwards strongly, reducing the risk of intra-abdominal injury.