A SAGES technology and value assessment and pediatric committee evaluation of mini-laparoscopic instrumentation

Background The TAVAC and Pediatric Committees of SAGES evaluated the current use of mini-laparoscopic instrumentation to better understand the role this category of devices plays in the delivery of minimally invasive surgery today. Methods The role of mini-laparoscopic instrumentation, defined as minimally invasive instruments of between 1 and 4 mm in diameter, was assessed by an exhaustive review of the peer reviewed literature on the subject between 1990 and 2021. The instruments, their use, and their perceived value were tabulated and described. Results Several reported studies propose a value to using mini-laparoscopic instrumentation over the use of larger instruments or as minimally invasive additions to commonly performed procedures. Additionally, specifically developed smaller-diameter instruments appear to be beneficial additions to our minimally invasive toolbox. Conclusions The development of small instrumentation for the effective performance of minimally invasive surgery, while perhaps best suited to pediatric populations, proves useful as adjuncts to a wide variety of adult surgical procedures. Mini-laparoscopic instrumentation thus proves valuable in selected cases.