Robot-assisted surgery for Hirschsprung disease in children: initial single-center experience

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Gastrointestinal Surgery

Background:

• Robotic surgery (RS) is increasingly used for Hirschsprung disease (HSCR).
• Understanding the surgical outcomes of RS in HSCR is crucial for clinical practice.
• Existing literature may lack comprehensive data on long-term results and comparisons.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the surgical outcomes of robotic surgery (RS) in pediatric patients with Hirschsprung disease (HSCR).
• To compare the results of RS with traditional laparoscopic surgery for HSCR.
• To assess the safety and efficacy of RS in managing HSCR.

Main Methods:

• A case series of 20 children undergoing RS for HSCR over a 10-year period.
• Collection of preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data.
• Comparative analysis with a cohort of patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery for HSCR.

Main Results:

• The median age at surgery was 1.3 years; 85% had rectosigmoid HSCR.
• Postoperative complications included mild anastomotic stenosis in 5% and redo surgery in one patient.
• At a median follow-up of 11 months, 12% experienced mild constipation and soiling; 12% had HAEC.
• No significant differences in operative outcomes were observed when compared to laparoscopy.

Conclusions:

• Robotic surgery (RS) presents a safe option for managing Hirschsprung disease (HSCR).
• Further multicenter studies are needed to establish clear indications for RS in HSCR.
• The findings support the continued use and investigation of RS in pediatric colorectal surgery.