ENDOSCOPIC SURGERY IN CHILDREN

Endoscopic surgical interventions, or closed surgery methods as they are more commonly known among the people, are used in the treatment of more and more diseases in many medical fields and by more and more centers today. In order to make these initiatives; Specially developed optical systems, imaging devices and surgical instruments are required for the use of the surgeon. These instruments are inserted into the relevant body cavities through several holes (incision sites) ranging from 2-3mm to 10-12mm in diameter and surgical interventions are performed.

Specialized centers with expertise and adequate equipment report that these methods expedite the recovery process, reduce hospital stays, and contribute to better aesthetic outcomes in specific diseases. In recent years, methods allowing placement of multiple endoscopic instruments through a single entry point into body cavities, as well as robotic surgery, have been applied in children for certain cases, albeit in limited numbers. Below, I briefly outline two significant endoscopic surgical techniques relevant to our specialty:

Thoracoscopic Surgery for Chest Area (Thoracoscopy)
Thoracoscopic surgery is utilized in the diagnosis and treatment of various conditions affecting the chest cavity, including lungs and other organs and tissues within it. Some of these conditions are listed below.

Here is the translation of the conditions and procedures mentioned:
*Thoracoscopic Surgery for Chest Conditions:*

1. *Pleuritis (Empyema):* Inflammation of the lining around the lungs.
2. *Chest Wall Deformities/Pectus Excavatum:* An abnormality where the breastbone sinks into the chest.
3. *Lung Cysts and Tumors:* Abnormal growths or fluid-filled sacs in the lungs.
4. *Thymus Gland Disorders:* Conditions affecting the thymus gland, which plays a role in immune function.
5. *Esophageal Disorders:* Conditions affecting the esophagus, such as strictures or abnormalities.
6. *Diaphragmatic Disorders:* Conditions affecting the diaphragm, which is crucial for breathing.

*Laparoscopic Surgery for Abdominal Conditions:*
1. *Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (Surgical Repair/Fundoplication):* Surgery to treat severe reflux where stomach acid backs up into the esophagus.
2. *Appendicitis (Appendectomy):* Surgical removal of the appendix.
3. *Congenital Rectal Atresia:* Opening up of the closed or absent anal canal.
4. *Liver and Biliary Tract Diseases (Biopsy, Gallbladder Removal):* Procedures including biopsy or removal of the gallbladder.
5. *Spleen Disorders (Splenic Surgery):* Surgery involving the spleen.
6. *Kidney Diseases (Biopsy, Kidney Removal):* Procedures including kidney biopsy or removal.
7. *Urethral Strictures:* Narrowing of the urethra requiring surgical repair.
8. *Ovarian Diseases – Girls (Biopsy, Removal of Cysts/Tumors):* Procedures for ovarian conditions including biopsy or removal of cysts/tumors.
9. *Testicular Diseases – Boys (Investigation of Testes within the Abdomen, Descending into the Scrotum):* Procedures related to the testes including examination within the abdomen and descent into the scrotum.

If you have any specific questions about these conditions or procedures, feel free to ask!