VIDEOSURGERY IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS

Key words: Videosurgery, Laparoscopy, Toracoscopy, Retroperitoneoscopy

Videosurgery represents one of the most important innovations in pediatric surgery over the last few years, including initially simple diagnostic procedures then more complex surgical procedures. Based on an extensive literature review and their own experience the Authors provide an overview of the indications of videosurgery (laparoscopy, toracoscopy, retroperitoneoscopy), mainly focusing on gastrointestinal and urological conditions, many of which can now be treated using videosurgery techniques. In addition, there are several other conditions such as colelithiasis, non palpable testis and ovarian cysts, in which laparoscopy is considered the procedure of choice. A further development of videosurgery is envisaged thanks to further miniaturization of the operative instruments.