Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in pediatric patients.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has gained increasing application as an operative approach for adults with gallbladder disease. We assessed the safety and feasibility of this technique in five pediatric patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis, two of whom had sickle cell disease. With several technical modifications, we found that laparoscopic cholecystectomy was safe and effective in children. This technique permitted early discharge with expedient return to full activity.