Robotic single port anti-reflux surgery: Initial worldwide experience of two cases with a novel surgical approach to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease

Abstract

Introduction: To date, no anti-reflux operations have been reported with the new da Vinci Single-Port (single port (SP)) robotic platform. We aimed to describe this novel surgical approach and evaluate its safety and feasibility. Methods: All robotic SP operations were performed under an Institutional Review Board approved protocol. Results: Two patients underwent robotic SP anti-reflux surgery through a single incision of 2.7 cm (one Nissen-fundoplication and one re-Redo Nissen-fundoplication). The mean docking-time was 2.5 (2–3) minutes and mean console-time was 147 (119–155) minutes. No additional ports were needed, and no intraoperative complications occurred. Patients tolerated a soft diet on postoperative day 1 and were discharged on POD-2 and 3. Conclusion: Robotic SP anti-reflux surgery appears to be safe and feasible. This platform offers similar advantages to the multiport robotic surgery, while adding lower invasiveness and an improved cosmesis. Further studies are needed to confirm our results and evaluate long-term outcomes of this surgical approach.