Robot-assisted Laparoscopic Resection of a Type I Choledochal Cyst in a Child

Although the laparoscopic approach to the treatment of complex biliary disease is possible, it is technically challenging. In an attempt to overcome these difficulties, the da Vinci Surgical System (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, California) was used to facilitate the minimally invasive treatment of a type I choledochal cyst in a 5-year-old, 22 kg, girl. Complete resection of the choledochal cyst and a Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy were performed using the robotic surgical system. Total robotic setup time (preparation, port placement, docking) was 40 minutes. Total procedure time was 440 minutes. Total robotic operative time was 390 minutes. No intraoperative complications or technical problems were encountered. At 6-month follow-up, the child is doing well with no episodes of cholangitis. Robot-assisted laparoscopic type I choledochal cyst resection appears safe and feasible. The three-dimensional visualization and wristed instrumentation greatly aids in the dissection of the cyst and in the biliary reconstruction.