Disparities in Utilization of Laparoscopic Colectomies in Pediatric Crohn's Disease

This national database study of 2,833 pediatric Crohn's disease patients reveals significant disparities in laparoscopic colectomy access based on insurance type and socioeconomic status, with privately insured and higher-income patients more likely to receive minimally invasive surgery. Despite laparoscopy being considered safe, only 58% of cases used this approach, with 30-day and 1-year readmission rates of 9% and 18% respectively.