Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Fundoplications in Pediatric Surgery: Experience Review.

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.

MATERIALS AND 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.