Search

Robotic colorectal surgery allows adult and pediatric surgeons to overcome the technical limitations of laparoscopic surgery. It also provides improved ergonomics in the field of surgery. Robotic surgery has several advantages in colorectal operations that require complex minimally invasive skills including anorectal malformations, Hirschsprung disease, and inflammatory bowel disease. In this section, we discuss the key aspects of colorectal surgery where robotic instrumentation seems ideal., (Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Introduction: Cloaca malformation repair strategy is strongly dictated by common channel and urethral lengths. Mid to long common channel cloacas are challenging and often require laparotomy for dissection of pelvic structures. The balance of common channel and urethral lengths often dictates the approach for reconstruction. Laparoscopy has been utilized for rectal dissection but not for management of the urogenital (UG) structures. We hypothesized that laparoscopy could be applied to UG separation in reconstruction of cloaca malformations. Methods: Records were reviewed for 9 children with cloaca who underwent laparoscopic rectal mobilization and UG separation. Clinical parameters reviewed included demographics, relevant anatomic lengths, operative duration, transfusion requirements, and perioperative complications. Results: Repair was perfomed at a median (interquartile range) age of 12 (7, 15) months. Common channel length as measured by cystoscopy was 3.5 (3.3, 4.5) cm. There were no intraoperative complications. Transfusion requirements were minimal. Postoperative length of stay was 6 (5, 11) days. One patient developed a urethral web and 2 developed vaginal stenosis. One patient later underwent a laparotomy for obstruction due to a twisted rectal pull-through. Conclusions: Laparoscopic rectal mobilization and UG separation in long common channel cloaca are safe and well tolerated. Laparoscopy affords full evaluation of Mullerian structures and enables separation of the common UG wall, which may ultimately enhance long-term urinary continence.

Recurrent gastroesophageal reflux is a common complication after fundoplication procedures. We report our experience with laparoscopic redo Nissen fundoplications in pediatric patients with a history of open antireflux procedure. The medical records of all patients with a history of open antireflux procedure who underwent a subsequent laparoscopic redo Nissen fundoplication were reviewed. One hundred eighty laparoscopic Nissen fundoplications were performed between September 2004 and September 2012; 23 were redo procedures. Twelve patients had a history of prior open fundoplication. Average time between operations was 113.7±64 months. Seven patients presented with emesis, 4 with aspiration pneumonia, and 1 with clinical reflux. Eight had a history of cerebral palsy and/or seizure disorder. Laparoscopic revision was completed in 100% of the patients, with no intraoperative complications. Average operative time was 177.5±86 minutes. Seven patients were able to resume feeds on postoperative Day 1. Median length of stay was 3 days. Median follow-up was 21 months. One patient required a redo antireflux procedure 8 months later for persistent dysphagia. Thus laparoscopic revision Nissen fundoplication after a prior open antireflux procedure is feasible and safe.

Background/purpose: The aim of this report is to assess the technique and outcome of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy in infants and toddlers., Methods: From January 2001 to January 2005, 7 consecutive patients, ages 5 to 15 months, underwent laparoscopic partial nephrectomies. All patients had duplicated systems associated with ureteroceles (5), severe reflux (1), ectopic ureter (1), and nonfunctioning systems. Follow-up ranged from 4 to 51 months., Results: All procedures were completed successfully using 4 ports (2 x 5 and 2 x 3 mm) except one, which required an additional port. The distal ureter, renal parenchyma, and hilar vessels were all transected using the harmonic scalpel. The mean operating time was 179 minutes with minimal blood loss in each case. The average hospital stay was 2.4 days (range, 1-5 days). The first case in the series, initially attempted retroperitoneally, was converted to a transabdominal approach because of lack of space. All subsequent approaches were transabdominal. One patient required ureteral stump reexcision because of frequent urinary tract infections associated with a distal ureteral diverticulum., Conclusions: Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy can be performed safely. The harmonic scalpel divides the parenchyma bloodlessly. The cosmetic result is excellent. A transabdominal approach with division of the ureteral cuff flush with the bladder is recommended.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to demonstrate the effects of recent technical advances on the safety and benefits of pediatric laparoscopic splenectomy., Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of patients undergoing laparoscopic splenectomy from January 1998 to January 2000. Technical advances utilized during this period included the harmonic scalpel, a specialized flexible hilar retractor, a larger, wire-rimmed specimen bag, and lateral patient positioning., Results: Laparoscopic splenectomy was performed successfully on 18 patients aged 3 to 17 years (median, 9). The indications were hereditary spherocytosis (n = 10), idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (n = 5), and other (n = 3). Eight patients had concomitant procedures including cholecystectomy (n = 3), resection of an accessory spleen (n = 3), and other (n = 2). The median operating time, including the concomitant procedures, was 125 minutes (range, 70 to 235). Patients tolerated a regular diet on median postoperative day 1 (range, 1 to 3), and 16 were discharged home on or before postoperative day 2. None of the patients required blood product transfusion or conversion to an open technique. There were no complications, and all patients had returned to usual activity by 2 weeks., Conclusion: With recent technological advances, the laparoscopic approach has become easy to perform, safe, and should be considered the procedure of choice for pediatric splenectomy.