title: Robotic-assisted laparoscopic Roux-en-Y choledochojejunostomy in pigs.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We aimed to investigate the feasibility of robotic-assisted laparascopic reconstruction of the common bile duct (CBD) by way of Roux-en-Y choledochojejunostomy, given an operator with no prior robotic skills.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ten pigs, of 75 kg median weight, were used for the experiments. Three of these animals were used to initialize and adjust the procedure, and seven were scheduled for postoperative survival of a week, and subsequent laparotomy for evaluation. The gallbladder was removed and a Roux-en-Y choledochojejunostomy was done. Blood samples were drawn prior to the first and the final operation. Under laparotomy, the animals were investigated for signs of cholascos and intraoperative cholangiography was performed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All pigs showed competent anastomoses upon evaluation, including two pigs, which died on the fourth and fifth postoperative days, respectively, due to incorrect suspension of the Roux-en-Y sling, resulting in gastric retention. Standard liver parameters were not affected by surgery, and cholangiography showed no signs of extrahepatic stenosis or intrahepatic dilatation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Robotic-assisted Roux-en-Y choledocho-jejunostomy is an easy procedure and accomplishes biliary drainage and intact intestinal flow. Decreasing operating times were experienced, approximating those of a skilled operator.
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery L, Section AKH, Aarhus University Hospital, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark.
authors.forename: Henrik Blegvad
authors.initials: HB
authors.lastname: Laursen
authors.forename: Hans Jakob
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Thorsøe
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Funch-Jensen
authors.forename: Mogens
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rokkjaer
authors.forename: Yoshikazu
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Yasuda
authors.forename: Frank Viborg
authors.initials: FV
authors.lastname: Mortensen
mesh_terms: D000713:Anastomosis, Roux-en-Y; D000818:Animals; D002758:Cholangiography; D002768:Choledochostomy / Q000379:methods*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D012371:Robotics / Q000379:methods*; D013552:Swine