Umbilical approach using the sliding-window method to avoid a large abdominal incision: report of two pediatric cases.

The sliding-window method of minimally invasive abdominal surgery was introduced in adults. Here, we describe its use in children. Two girls below age 12 underwent minilaparotomy by this method through umbilical incisions. Conditions requiring the operations were a large omental cyst in one patient and splenomegaly and cholelithiasis in the other. Postoperative courses were uneventful, and cosmetic results were acceptable. An umbilical approach using the sliding-window method is a practical way to avoid large abdominal incisions in pediatric patients undergoing major abdominal surgery.