Robotic Single- and Multisite Cholecystectomy in Children.

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Robotic Surgery

Background:

• Cholecystectomy is a common procedure well-suited for developing pediatric robotic surgery programs.
• Robotic surgery software can simplify procedures like single-site cholecystectomy by reversing surgeon movements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of robotic cholecystectomy in pediatric patients.
• To assess the feasibility of robotic cholecystectomy as an introductory procedure for pediatric surgeons.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of the first nine pediatric patients undergoing robotic cholecystectomy using the Da Vinci® Surgical System.
• All procedures performed by a single surgeon under proctoring by an experienced robotic surgeon.

Main Results:

• Nine patients (8 female, ages 10-18) underwent robotic cholecystectomy for biliary dyskinesia or symptomatic cholelithiasis.
• No complications or conversions to open surgery were reported. Eight patients were discharged on the same day.
• Single-site robotic cholecystectomy (5 patients) had longer anesthesia and console times compared to multiport (4 patients).

Conclusions:

• Robotic cholecystectomy is a safe and effective procedure for pediatric patients.
• It serves as a suitable introductory procedure for pediatric surgeons establishing robotic surgery programs.
• Single-site robotic cholecystectomy is cosmetically advantageous but technically more time-consuming than multiport robotic cholecystectomy.