Laparoscopy in infants and children.

Laparoscopy has been performed in 60 infants and children over a 32-mo period. Indications included: the problem of possible appendicitis, chronic abdominal pain, possible regional enteritis, possible biliary atresia, and liver biopsy. Fifty-two per cent of patients were spared laparotomy, while in 32% the need for operation was established. There were 2 errors in diagnosis, 3 failures, and 1 complication. Laparoscopy is considered to be a safe, effective, and economical diagnostic procedure that deserves wider application in the pediatric patient.