Minimally Invasive Surgery

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UCLA Health pediatric surgeons specialize in delivering outstanding surgical care to every child. Call 310-206-2429 to connect with an expert.

Minimally Invasive (Laparoscopic and Thoracoscopic) Surgery

UCLA pediatric surgeons are well versed in minimally-invasive surgery or 'band-aid' surgery. Advanced abdominal (laparoscopic) and chest (thoracoscopic) procedure are routinely performed in children and newborns at Mattel Children's Hospital. In most cases, a small incision is made around the umbilicus or in the chest allowing the introduction of a specialized telescope or camera. Other instruments are inserted via additional small incisions or ports. Utilizing these techniques, the UCLA Pediatric Surgeons can avoid larger incisions used in traditional surgery, decrease the postoperative discomfort to the child, and reduce the time needed for recovery. Laparoscopic and thoracoscopic surgery can be performed on infants and children of any size, even newborns only a few pounds in weight.

Doctor and child smiling

The UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital is at the technological forefront providing UCLA pediatric surgeons with tools necessary to provide the latest in minimally-invasive procedures to patients. The hospital has one of the largest integrated OR projects built to date using the most advanced surgical concepts and equipment including high definition technology, telebroadcasting, and robotic equipment.

UCLA pediatric surgeons perform the following procedures:

  • Diagnostic laparoscopy evaluation and potential resection for cancer and other conditions
  • Laparoscopic appendectomy for appendicitis
  • Laparoscopic bowel resections and endorectal pullthrough procedures for Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn's disease, and Familial Adenomatous Polyposis
  • Laparoscopic cholecystectomy to remove the gallbladder
  • Laparoscopic duodenal atresia repair for newborns with intestinal obstruction
  • Laparoscopic endorectal colonic pullthrough procedures for infants with Hirschsprung's disease or anorectal malformations
  • Laparoscopic gastrostomy feeding tube placement
  • Laparoscopy for inguinal hernia repair
  • Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease
  • Laparoscopic oopherectomy or cystectomy to remove ovary or ovarian cysts
  • Laparoscopic procedures for intussusception and malrotation
  • Laparoscopic pyloromyotomy for pyloric stenosis
  • Laparoscopic pyloroplasty for gastroparesis
  • Laparoscopic splenectomy and partial splenectomy to remove all or parts of the spleen
  • Minimally invasive Nuss repair of pectus excavatum or sunken chest syndrome
  • Thoracoscopic lung resection to remove portion of lung with cancer, tumors, cysts, or blebs
  • Thoracoscopic decortication of empyema to remove infection around the lung in association with pneumonia
  • Thoracoscopic tracheo-esophageal fistula and esophageal atresia repair for newborns with esophageal obstruction
  • Thoracoscopic congenital diaphragmatic hernia repair

Contact Us

(310) 206-2429 Appointments
(310) 206-1120 Fax