Robot-assisted thoracoscopic versus conventional thoracoscopic plication for diaphragmatic eventration in children: Comparison of mid-term outcomes

Abstract

Objective

Minimally invasive surgery has been widely used for diaphragmatic eventration (DE). We aimed to compare the mid-term outcomes of robot-assisted thoracoscopic (RTP) and conventional thoracoscopic plication (CTP) for DE and to discuss the technical advantages of RTP.

Methods

From January 2015 to July 2022, the clinical outcomes of 30 RTP patients and 35 CTP patients were retrospectively analyzed. The baseline data, surgical outcomes and surgical technique will be compared in detail.

Results

The baseline data of two groups were comparable. No intraoperative conversion or complications occurred. The total operation time and intraoperative blood loss were similar between two groups, but RTP group had a significantly shorter diaphragmatic plication time compared to CTP group (25.77±3.55 min vs 44.49±4.43 min, p < 0.001). The total surgical cost of RTP group was higher than that of CTP group (48,593.06±2752.33 RMB vs 25,181.23±5681.51 RMB, p < 0.001). No significant differences were found in postoperative hospital stay, diclofenac suppository dosage, unplanned readmission rate within 30 days postoperatively, recurrence rate, or postoperative complications within 1 year postoperatively between RTP and CTP groups. Sixty patients had preoperative symptoms resolved or significantly improved with normal diaphragmatic position. However, two patients in CTP group encountered recurrence, and one patient in CTP group and two patients in RTP group had a diaphragm descent in only one intercostal space.

Conclusion

RTP is a feasible and effective minimally invasive option for the treatment of DE, with mid-term outcomes comparable to CTP, which has a great advantage in terms of easier suturing and free knotting. DE can serve as an ideal disease type to train robots for thoracoscopic surgery by young doctors.

Level of evidence

Level III.