Laparoscopy in children

Laparoscopy has been performed in 120 infants and children for a variety of indications including chronic abdominal pain, debatable appendicitis, liver biopsy, biliary atresia, and abdominal trauma. A specific diagnosis was made in 71% of patients and 59% were spared laparotomy. There were one complication and four errors in interpretation (3.3%). Laparoscopy represents a considerable advantage over laparotomy in the diagnosis and management of a number of pediatric disorders and deserves wider application.