Comparison between robotic-assisted Kasai portoenterostomy and open Kasai portoenterostomy in patients with biliary atresia

Robotic-assisted Kasai portoenterostomy (RAKPE) is regarded as a treatment option for patients with biliary atresia (BA). We aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of RAKPE to the open Kasai portoenterostomy (OKPE).

A retrospective review was conducted on a total of 74 type III BA patients who underwent RAKPE (RA group, n = 36) or OKPE (OP group, n = 38) from January 2018 to December 2022. The study analyzed demographic characteristics, intraoperative findings, and postoperative outcomes.

The operative time in the RA group was significantly longer than that in the OP group (218.61 ± 31.70 min vs 178.50 ± 27.90 min, P < 0.05). The estimated blood loss in RA group was significantly lower than that in the OP group (8.65 ± 2.30 mL vs 17.55 ± 3.60 mL, P < 0.05). The recovery time of bowel sounds was significantly shorter in RA group than in the OP group (0.96 ± 0.12 days vs 2.84 ± 0.37 days, P < 0.05). All patients had bile-stained stools within 1–3 days after surgery. The clearance rate of jaundice at 3 and 6 months were significantly higher in RA group than in OP group (69.44% vs 60.53%, 75.00% vs 68.42%, P < 0.05). The rate of cholangitis in RA group was similar to that in OP group (50.00% vs 52.63%, P > 0.05). The native liver survival rate during the follow-up period was comparable between two groups (66.67% vs 63.16%, P > 0.05).

Robotic-assisted Kasai surgery offers advantages in short-term outcomes and the clearance of jaundice in patients with type III BA.