LAPAROSCOPIC REMOVAL OF AGANGLIONIC BOWEL USING THE DUHAMEL-MARTIN METHOD IN 5 CONSECUTIVE INFANTS

Five consecutive infants had a laparoscopic Duhamel-Martin procedure w ithout colostomy for Hirschsprung's disease. No major problems occurre d, but the procedures were long-lasting, requiring postoperative inten sive care for 1 night in four of the five patients. In one patient the procedure was converted to an open one, as the quality of the anastom osis was doubtful. It is concluded that the Duhamel-Martin procedure c an be carried out safely in a one-stage operation in young infants usi ng a laparoscopic approach.