Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Fundoplications in Pediatric Surgery: Experience Review
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Read the article on dx.doi.org ↗Article · Dec 2017 · 1 min read
In brief
In brief
Study of 60 robot-assisted fundoplications in pediatric patients demonstrates a learning curve plateau after 20 cases, with mean operative time decreasing to 80 minutes. The robotic approach showed excellent outcomes with zero conversions to open surgery and only 4.7% revision rate, suggesting ergonomic advantages and efficient technical adoption for treating pediatric GERD.
Written by the GCMD Library team from the article.
Introduction Laparoscopic fundoplicature for gastroesophageal reflux disease has become the gold standard because of the improvement of postoperative rehabilitation compared with the open procedure. The robot-assisted surgery has brought new advantages for the patient and the surgeon compared with laparoscopy. We studied this new approach and the learning curve.
Methods Sixty robot-assisted fundoplicatures were performed in two university pediatric surgery centers. Data of the patients were recorded, including peroperative data (operation length and complications), postoperative recoveries, and clinical evolution. The learning curve was evaluated retrospectively and each variable was compared along this learning curve.
Results We observed a flattening of the learning curve after the 20th case for one surgeon. The mean operative time decreased significantly to 80 ± 10 minutes after 20 cases. There were no conversions to an open procedure. A revision surgery was indicated for 4.7% of the patients by a surgical robot-assisted laparoscopic approach.
Conclusion The robotic system appears to add many advantages for surgical ergonomic procedures. There is a potential benefit in operating time with a short technical apprenticeship period. The setting up system is easy with a short docking time.