Robotic repair of congenital duodenal atresia: a case report

Abstract

Although repair of duodenal atresia has been performed laparoscopically, it can be a difficult procedure using rigid handheld laparoscopic instruments. Only a few pediatric surgeons are performing this operation with a minimally invasive approach. Robotic surgery may help overcome the obstacles presented by the use of traditional rigid laparoscopic instruments. We present the world's first robotic repair of congenital duodenal atresia in a 2.4-kg, 1-day-old newborn. The procedure took less than 3 hours, and the patient had an unremarkable postoperative course.