Robotic Cholecystectomy is Equivalent to Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in Pediatric Patients

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

2025

Abstract

Introduction: Robotic surgery has not been widely adopted in pediatric surgery. This study aims to compare outcomes between robotic cholecystectomy (RC) and laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) during the first three years of a pediatric robotic surgery program. Methods: A retrospective review of all RC and LC in patients 18 years-old and younger at a tertiary children’s hospital between January 2019 and December 2022 was performed. Cases with multiple procedures or those including cholangiograms were excluded. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics, and outcomes were obtained and summary statistics performed. Results: Eight-nine cases met inclusion criteria (LC, n=45; RC, n=44). Mean patient age was 15.5 vs. 15.4 years (p=0.84) and mean BMI was 27.2 vs. 29.9kg/m2 (p=0.115) for LC vs. RC, respectively. Mean operative times were 76.6 vs. 82.1 minutes for LC vs. RC (p=0.217). LC were more often acute (71.1%) compared to RC (18.2%), which were more often elective (p< 0.0001). Comparing only elective cases, there was not a significant difference in total charges between LC vs. RC (p=0.504) or in length of stay (p=0.68). There was no difference in intraoperative (p=0.494) and postoperative complication rates (p=0.112). No patients required conversion to open surgery. Conclusion: This analysis demonstrates equivalent outcomes between pediatric RC and LC. RC is shown to be safe and effective without incurring significant additional cost in the elective setting. Pediatric surgeons looking to incorporate robotic surgery in their practice could use RC to hone the skills needed for more complex operations.

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Academic Surgical Congress, February 11-13, 2025, Las Vegas, NV

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