role of laparoscopy in pediatric adhesive intestinal obstruction: our experience in a tertiary care centre

Background: postoperative adhesive intestinal obstruction is a common complication following laparotomy, which may require operative intervention in certain cases. this study aims to evaluate the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic adhesiolysis in pediatric patients. methods: a retrospective study was conducted over a one-year period from january 2023 to january 2024, involving children with adhesive intestinal obstruction who were managed at a single unit in the department of pediatric surgery at maulana azad medical college, new delhi. the data collected included patient demographics, details of conservative treatment, types of surgery performed, and postoperative outcomes. surgical conversions and complications were also documented. results: twelve patients (58.3% male, 41.7% female) were included in the study. initial conservative management was attempted for all patients; however, three (25%) ultimately required surgical intervention. all surgeries were performed via laparoscopic adhesiolysis without conversion to open surgery. additionally, one patient underwent laparoscopic excision of meckel’s diverticulum. oral intake was initiated within 24 hours postoperatively, and all patients were discharged within 48 hours. the mean operative time was 56.2 minutes, the time to the first feed was 18.4 hours, and the average hospital stay was 42.5 hours. no postoperative complications were observed. conclusion: laparoscopic adhesiolysis may be a safe and effective treatment for pediatric adhesive intestinal obstruction, providing minimal morbidity and facilitating early recovery. this approach presents a viable alternative to open surgery in selected cases.