The Percutaneous ‘Pick and Fix’ Suture: A Surrogate Port for Paediatric Laparoscopic Procedures

Objective: To apply and expand the utility of the traditional percutaneously placed stay suture during laparoscopy. Materials and Methods: Children undergoing laparoscopic surgery from the period, December 2012 to November 2013 were included in this study. The use of the percutaneously stay suture (‘pick and fix’) in facilitating surgery was studied. The ease of placement, enhanced visualization as noted by the operating surgeon, total number of ports placed during surgery, total number of sutures placed and per-operative complications were all noted. Procedure related morbidity and eventual patient/care-giver satisfaction with cosmetic outcome were also noted. Results: 58 children underwent laparoscopic procedures during the aforementioned duration and included nephroureterectomies visualization and decrease the total number of ports across the variety of procedures to which it was applied. Cosmetic results were satisfactory. Conclusion: The versatility of this technique allows its application to various laparoscopic procedures. It enhances the minimally invasive nature of laparoscopy itself and may, thus, act as a substitute for conventional ports, the ultimate result being good cosmetic outcomes and patient satisfaction.