title: Robotically assisted laparoscopic Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study evaluates the feasibility and safety of using robotically assisted laparoscopy to perform a Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy. This new method was compared with the open and standard laparoscopic approaches.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eighteen pigs underwent a needlescopic common bile duct ligation to create a jaundice model. Three to 5 days later, transabdominal ultrasound was performed, and the common bile duct diameter was documented. For the Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy, the pigs were randomly assigned to the open group (n=6), standard laparoscopy group (n=6), or robotically assisted laparoscopy group (Zeus) (n=6). One surgeon performed all 3 approaches with 1 assistant. Operative times, techniques, and complication rates were documented.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The open approach was faster in all instances. At the hepaticojejunostomy, no difference was noted between the groups with the total number of stitches used. The robot required fewer stitches and less time in the posterior wall of the hepaticojejunostomy (P=-0.0083 and P=0.02049, respectively). The hepaticojejunostomy time was similar for the laparoscopy and robotically assisted groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Robotically assisted laparoscopic Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy is a feasible procedure. When compared with standard laparoscopy, operating time is similar.
authors.affiliation: Endosurgical Research Group, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA. LeonardoVillegas@Yahoo.com
authors.forename: Leonardo
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Villegas
authors.forename: Sandhya
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lagoo
authors.forename: Ted
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Schwartz
authors.forename: Nina
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Athar
authors.forename: Rebecca
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Greene
authors.forename: W Steve
authors.initials: WS
authors.lastname: Eubanks
mesh_terms: D000713:Anastomosis, Roux-en-Y; D000818:Animals; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006500:Hepatic Duct, Common / Q000601:surgery; D007582:Jejunostomy; D010535:Laparoscopy; D012371:Robotics; D013552:Swine; D013997:Time Factors