Keyhole technique speeds recovery

Surgeons at Bristol Children's Hospital are using a new keyhole technique for the first time in the region.

The laparoscopic technique means operations can be performed on younger children, with less scarring than with normal surgery.

"We hope that 200 children from around the region will benefit from this technique each year," said Consultant Paediatric Surgeon Rajat Basu.

It will be used to treat kidney and bowel disorders, and appendicitis.

"This way of performing operations was developed in the 1980s, but the technology and expertise to use this technique in children has only recently become more widespread in the UK," said Mr Basu.

Small incisions are made, allowing the surgeon to look at the part to be operated on through a telescope. The operation is then performed with long instruments inserted through other small incisions.

Smaller incisions usually cause less post-operative pain and less time in intensive care and a faster recovery. When healed, the incisions are almost invisible.