Robotic-Assisted Surgery in Children Using the Senhance^® Surgical System: An Observational Study

Robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) holds many theoretical advantages, especially in pediatric surgical procedures. However, most robotic systems are dedicated to adult surgery and are less suitable for smaller children. The Senhance^® Surgical System (SSS^®), providing 3 mm and 5 mm instruments, focuses on making RAS technically feasible for smaller children. This prospective observational study aims to assess whether RAS in pediatric patients using the SSS^® is safe and feasible.

A total of 42 children (aged 0-17 years, weight ≥ 10 kg) underwent a RAS procedure on the abdominal area using the SSS^® between 2020 and 2023. The study group consisted of 20 male and 22 female individuals. The mean age was 10.7 years (range 0.8 to 17.8 years), with a mean body weight of 40.7 kg (range 10.1 to 117.3 kg). The 3-mm-sized instruments of the SSS^® were used in 12 of the 42 children who underwent RAS. The RAS procedures were successfully completed in 90% of cases. The conversion rate to conventional laparoscopy was low (10%), and there were no conversions to open surgery. One of the 42 cases (2%) experienced intraoperative complications, whereas six children (14%) suffered from a postoperative complication. Overall, 86% of the patients had an uncomplicated postoperative course.

The results of the current observational study demonstrate the safety and feasibility of utilizing the SSS^® for abdominal pediatric RAS procedures. The study provides new fundamental information supporting the implementation of the SSS^® in clinical practice in pediatric surgery.