Retrospective assessment of short-term outcomes of robotic- versus laparoscopic-assisted duodenal diamond anastomosis in neonates.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to retrospectively compare the short-term outcomes of robotic- (RAD) and laparoscopic-assisted duodenal diamond-shaped anastomosis (LAD) in neonates.

Methods: Neonates who underwent RAD (n = 30) or LAD (n = 38) between January 2019 and December 2022 were analyzed retrospectively. Major patient data were collected, including preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative information.

Results: All patients were neonates below the age of 30 days weighing 4 kg. Thirty (44.1%) neonates underwent RAD and 38 neonates (55.9%) underwent LAD. Compared to the LAD group, the RAD group had a shorter intra-abdominal operation time (RAD, 60.0(50.0 ~ 70.0) min; LAD, 79.9(69.0 ~ 95.3) min; p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in immediate and 30-day complications between the two groups.

Conclusions: RAD is safe and effective in neonates. Compared to traditional LAD, RAD showed comparable results.