The impact of robotic surgery on the treatment of benign esophageal and gastric disease: early experience of a specialized unit

Laparoscopic surgery is a well-established approach in the surgical treatment of reflux, hiatal hernia and esophageal motility disorders such as achalasia. Robotic platforms have only recently been incorporated in surgery for esophageal motility disorders and their exact value remains to be determined. In the present study, we present the preliminary results of our early experience with a case series of benign upper gastrointestinal diseases treated using the robotic system in our department. Data on all consecutive patients undergoing surgery for benign upper gastrointestinal tract (UGI) disease during the last 5 years (01/2029–12/2023) was prospectively collected and retrospectively reviewed. All patients attended regular follow-up appointments. Patients with relapse or deterioration of their symptoms were referred for objective testing using high-resolution manometry and/or 24-h impedance pHmetry. A total of 34 patients were included in our series. Fourteen patients with achalasia underwent robotic Heller myotomy and modified Dor fundoplication, sixteen patients underwent hiatal hernia repair with fundoplication and four patients had a Nissen fundoplication for reflux esophagitis. The median postoperative Eckardt score of the patients treated for achalasia was 2 and a median GERD score of 1 was recorded for patients treated for reflux. Two patients with achalasia were evaluated with manometry due to temporary symptom relapse. The manometric findings were unremarkable. The incorporation of the robotic approach in the surgical treatment of benign UGI diseases is safe and feasible with excellent perioperative and postoperative functional results. Further experience and investigation will allow for reliable comparison to the laparoscopic approach.