Use of a da Vinci Xi Robot for an Oberlin Transfer - A Preliminary Report and Technical Considerations

A minimally invasive Oberlin transfer was performed using the da Vinci Xi robot in four patients with upper brachial plexus injury. This technical note describes the technique, detailing patient selection, robotic setup, anaesthesia considerations, port placement and key intraoperative steps. In three of four patients, the procedure was completed in a minimally invasive fashion; one patient required conversion to an open approach due to impaired visualisation from diffuse oozing in a scarred surgical field. Postoperative recovery was uneventful in all patients with no complications or donor morbidity. Although outcome analysis was beyond the scope of this technical note, all patients demonstrated recovery of biceps (Medical Research Council (MRC) grade ≥ 4) at 12-month follow-up. Patients in whom the minimally invasive procedure was completed had shorter scars. Level of Evidence: Level V (Therapeutic).