Robot-assisted resection of choledochal cyst in neonates

Laparoscopic choledochectomy and hepatojejunostomy have been reported in children since 1995, but this procedure is technically demanding. Robotic surgical systems can simplify complex minimally invasive procedures. Currently, few reports have been made on neonates. We present the experience of 6 cases of neonatal CC(choledochal cysts).

Between January 2022 and December 2023, 6 neonates underwent robotic resection of choledochal cyst and hepaticojejunostomy using the Da Vinci surgical system at Children’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, a high-volume hepatobiliary disease center. demographic data of the patients and surgical outcomes were collected and analyzed.

All 6 patients were successfully treated by robotic cystectomy and hepaticojejunostomy. The mean age was 17.3 days (range 4–25) and the mean weight was 3.6 kg (range 2.55–4.4). 5 cysts were type Ia and 1 was type Iva. The mean diameter of the cysts was 3.8 cm (range 1.25-5). The mean time to establish feeding was 4.83 days (range 4–6), and patients were discharged after a median time of 16.83 days (range 7–42) without postoperative complications.

This procedure is safe and effective for neonates. The authors found that the use of robot-assisted surgery has ergonomic advantages in this delicate, minimally invasive procedure.