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Updated: May 3, 2026
Robotic Central Pancreatectomy with Roux-en-Y Pancreaticojejunostomy
Published on: November 20, 2021
Robotic surgery for pancreatic disorders in children: Insights from two centers
XiaoLi Chen1, Yong Zhang2, QingJiang Chen1
1Department of General Surgery, The Children's Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 3333 Binsheng Rd Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
Objective:
This study aimed to present our experience in applying robotic-assisted surgery for managing pancreatic disorders in children.
Methods:
A retrospective analysis was conducted on pediatric patients who underwent robot-assisted pancreatic procedures at two centers from April 2020 to August 2025. Information regarding preoperative status, intraoperative details, and postoperative outcomes was collected.
Results:
A total of 49 pediatric patients received pancreatic surgery during the study period, including 19 boys and 30 girls, with a mean age of 10.3 ± 2.6 years. Surgical indications were pancreatic masses (n = 46), pancreatic trauma (n = 2), and congenital hyperinsulinism (n = 1). The mean operation time was 233.4 ± 117.3 min, and average blood loss was 59.4 ± 81.9 ml. Six patients (12.2 %) converted to open surgery. The total complication rate was 38.8 % (19/49), with major complications (Clavien-Dindo ≥ III) in 6.1 % (3/49). Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) occurred in 7 patients (14.3 %), all of which were Grade B; two of these patients required ultrasound-guided external drainage. Two patients were readmitted within 30 days for intra-abdominal infection. The median follow-up was 23.4 months (range 3-62 months), and all remained alive without complications.
Conclusion:
Robot-assisted surgery for pediatric pancreatic disorders appears to be safe and feasible. The robotic platform can be employed for various complex pancreatic operations with satisfactory results.
