11 July, 2025 by Admin

Robotic Surgery for Choledochal Cyst in Children

Precision. Safety. Faster Recovery. Now at Max Hospital, Delhi

At Max Super Speciality Hospital, Delhi, we are proud to offer robotic-assisted choledochal cyst excision with hepaticojejunostomy—a cutting-edge, minimally invasive procedure for treating choledochal cysts in children. This technique combines advanced robotic technology with pediatric surgical expertise to ensure the safest and most effective outcome for your child.

🧠What Is a Choledochal Cyst?

A choledochal cyst is an abnormal enlargement or dilatation of the bile duct, the tube that carries bile from the liver to the intestine. It can be present from birth and may cause:

• Abdominal pain
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• Vomiting
• Fever due to bile duct infections (cholangitis)
• Pancreatitis
• If untreated, it increases the risk of biliary cirrhosis and bile duct cancer in later life.

The standard treatment is complete removal of the cyst, followed by reconstruction of the bile drainage system, which is most effectively and safely done using robotic-assisted surgery in experienced pediatric centers.

🔬Robotic Surgery: A Game-Changer in Choledochal Cyst Treatment

✅ Why Robotic?

Robotic-assisted surgery allows:

• Magnified 3D vision, crucial for operating near the liver, pancreas, and intestine.
• Precise, tremor-free movements, essential when dealing with delicate structures like bile ducts and blood vessels.
• Minimally invasive access, which means smaller scars, less pain, and quicker recovery.

🛠️Step-by-Step: What Happens During the Surgery?

1️⃣Anesthesia and Positioning

• The surgery is performed under general anesthesia.
• The child is gently positioned to allow optimal access to the upper abdomen where the liver and bile ducts are located.

2️⃣Port Placement (Tiny Incisions for Robot Access)

• Four to five tiny incisions (each 5–8 mm) are made on the child’s abdomen.
• These act as entry points (called ports) for:
• A 3D high-definition camera
• Robotic surgical instruments controlled by the surgeon

These ports are placed with great care to avoid injury and ensure cosmetic healing.

3️⃣Cyst Identification and Complete Excision

• The enlarged bile duct (choledochal cyst) is carefully dissected free from surrounding tissues, preserving nearby structures like:
• The portal vein
• The hepatic artery
• The pancreatic duct
• The entire cyst is safely and completely removed up to the point where it joins the pancreas (distal end) and up to the common hepatic duct (proximal end).

4️⃣Reconstruction – Hepaticojejunostomy

• After cyst removal, a new drainage route is created.
• A portion of the intestine (jejunum) is brought up and attached to the cut end of the hepatic duct—this is called a hepaticojejunostomy.
• This join is made using very fine absorbable sutures placed under high magnification using robotic arms.

The new connection ensures bile from the liver flows smoothly into the intestine, bypassing the cyst area entirely.

5️⃣Closure

• The robotic arms are withdrawn.
• All incisions are closed with absorbable sutures, and no stitches need to be removed later.
• Dressings are applied. Scars are usually minimal and fade with time.

⏳Duration and Hospital Stay

• Surgical duration: Around 3–5 hours
• Hospital stay: Usually 4–5 days
• Full recovery: Most children are back to school and activities in 10–14 days

🧑‍⚕️Why Choose Max Hospital for Pediatric Robotic Hepatobiliary Surgery?

• ✅Experienced Pediatric Robotic Surgeons: Skilled in managing complex liver and bile duct conditions in infants and children.
• ✅Advanced Da Vinci Robotic System: The latest in surgical technology.
• ✅Multidisciplinary Support: Pediatric anesthesiology, intensive care, gastroenterology, and nutrition teams.
• ✅Personalized Care: Child-friendly environment with round-the-clock pediatric nursing.

💡Benefits of Robotic Choledochal Cyst Surgery

❓FAQs for Parents

Is the cyst likely to come back?
No, once completely removed and a proper reconstruction is done, recurrence is very rare.

Is robotic surgery safe for small children?
Yes. With expert teams and proper setup, robotic surgery is safe even in infants and toddlers.

Will my child need long-term medicines?
Usually not. Regular follow-ups and ultrasounds are advised to monitor liver and bile duct health.

📞Talk to Our Pediatric Surgery Team

If your child has been diagnosed with a choledochal cyst, do not delay treatment. Robotic surgery offers a safe, precise, and minimally invasive solution that ensures a healthy, complication-free future.

Category : Robotic Surgery