Laparoscopy

Laparoscopy, a process that uses a thin tube with a tiny video camera attached to look at and take tissue from inside the body, is relatively new technology. It was created with the specific purpose of allowing a minimally invasive approach to repair congenital malformations or other conditions.

Now widely used in children all over the world, laparoscopy can decrease pain and suffering, as well as potential disease related to the opening of cavities in the human body using traditional large incisions. Laparoscopy and other minimally invasive techniques are becoming the preferred way of treating many conditions.

For the past several years, this technology has been applied to the surgical treatment of some anorectal malformations in specific groups of patients. Several centers around the world, including the Colorectal Center at Cincinnati Children’s, currently use this technology.