Robotic-assisted choledochal cyst excision with Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy in children: A Chinese expert panel consensus statement

Background

The first robotic surgery in children and adult happened in more or less that same time but the development in children subsequently lagged behind especially for complicated operations such as robotic-assisted hepaticojejunostomy for choledochal cyst (RHCC). In order to achieve a high standard for this operation, expert consensus was developed among Chinese experts with ample experience in RHCC.

Methods

Thirty experts from twenty-six institutions experts participated in the consensus meeting. A Screening Committee was established to performed a comprehsenive literature review on RHCC. A few specific topics have been proposed based on the review but only topics which were agreed upon were discussed during the meeting using Delphi Rounds. Lastly, formulated recommendations were proposed by the Committee and finalized in the expert consensus meeting.

Results

After initial screening and discussion, nine topics were selected for discusssion. Eight recommendation statements were formulated. All recommendations reached more than 80 % consensus among experts at the final Delphi Round.

Conclusions

The consensus statementson RHCC in children were based on available international literatures and experience from Chinese experts. These statements helpto standardize the surgical techniques and prevent surgical complications during RHCC.