Totally robot-assisted biliary pancreatic diversion with duodenal switch: single dock technique and technical outcomes

The biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS) requires operating in three different abdominal quadrants. Previous techniques have used either two docks or a hybrid technique in which the robot is used only to suture the duodeno-ileal anastomosis, while the rest of the operation was performed laparoscopically. Recently, a modification in technique has allowed all operative steps to be completed robotically with a single dock. The operative technique and its technical results are described.

Operative technique is described. Baseline demographics, operative duration, length of stay, and adverse events (intraoperative, 30-days, and 1-year) of all primary totally robot BPD/DS cases are reported.

From Nov. 2011 to Jan. 2014, 59 totally robotic BPD/DS operations were attempted. One was completed hybrid, and the rest were totally robotic. No robotic operation was converted to an open operation. Five trocars were placed, the small bowel was anchored to the anterior abdominal wall, and the robot was docked. Mean age was 44 ± 10 years with a mean preoperative BMI of 56 ± 9 kg/m². 69 % was female, and 71 % was Caucasian. Mean operative duration was 306 ± 80 min (60 min less than the hybrid technique). There were no mortality, leaks, venous thromboembolism, or bleeding requiring transfusion. Mean length of stay was 4.6 ± 4.3 days. Three patients were readmitted for nausea and vomiting. There was one superficial wound infection, and three patients needed reoperations in the first year, two for strictures, and one for debriding a suture abscess.

All key technical components of the BPD/DS were performed with low morbidity and mortality with a single dock. Since the surgeon performed all key parts of the operation from the console, the need for experienced bedside assistance was minimized, resulting in shorter operative duration compared to the hybrid technique.