Robotic-assisted Kasai portoenterostomy for biliary atresia

Partial quadrate lobectomy improves early outcomes of laparoscopic Kasai surgery in type III biliary atresia

Objective

To evaluate the early efficacy and safety of partial quadrate lobectomy during laparoscopic Kasai surgery for type III biliary atresia.

Methods

This retrospective study included 25 children diagnosed with type III biliary atresia, who underwent laparoscopic Kasai surgery between February 2018 and July 2022. Patients were divided into two groups: one with partial quadrate lobectomy and the other without. Data collected included age, gender, weight, incidence of cholangitis before and after surgery, one-year native liver survival, intraoperative blood loss, surgery duration, and jaundice clearance at 6 and 12 months. Follow-up results were compared between the groups.

Results

The partial quadrate lobectomy group (14 patients) had a mean weight of 5.50 kg and average age of 66.79 days, while the control group (11 patients) had a similar weight (5.50 kg) and a mean age of 71.09 days. Weight comparison showed no significant difference (5.50 kg vs. 5.50 kg, P = 0.427). One-year postoperative native liver survival was 9/14 in the partial quadrate lobectomy group vs. 6/11 in the control group (P = 0.654).Intraoperative blood loss was similar between groups (P > 0.05), but the shorter operative time (301 vs. 347 min) associated with partial quadrate lobe resection may reduce anesthesia-related risks in infants, particularly given their limited physiological reserve. The reduced cholangitis rate (29% vs. 73%) aligns with prior reports suggesting that improved hilar exposure facilitates more precise dissection of fibrotic remnants, potentially minimizing postoperative bile stasis and infection. Jaundice clearance (defined as TBIL <20 μmol/L) was achieved in 8/14 (57.1%) of the partial quadrate lobectomy group vs. 3/11 (27.3%) in the control group at 6 months (P = 0.025), and 10/14 (71.4%) vs. 4/11 (36.4%) at 12 months (P = 0.031). The lower TBIL levels (5.11 vs. 9.67 mg/dl) at 6 months suggest enhanced bile drainage efficacy, which is critical for delaying or avoiding liver transplantation in this population.

Conclusion

Partial quadrate lobectomy during laparoscopic Kasai surgery reduces operation time, lowers cholangitis incidence, and improves jaundice clearance rates without increasing intraoperative blood loss or adversely affecting one-year native liver survival. It is a safe and feasible adjunct to improve early postoperative outcomes.

Comparison of surgical results and technical performance between robotic and laparoscopic approaches for Kasai portoenterostomy in biliary atresia: a multicenter retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Many variables, including age at surgery, disease type, surgical approaches and perioperative management factors have been demonstrated to influence efficacy in BA infants, however, the effect of surgical performance remains unclear. The objective of this retrospective study was to compare the postoperative efficacy and surgical performance of robotic (RKPE) versus laparoscopic Kasai portoenterostomy (LKPE) for BA.

METHODS

Between October 2018 and June 2023, 158 type III BA patients undergoing minimally invasive surgery (RKPE = 66, LKPE = 92) were included in this multicenter retrospective study. All procedures were performed by surgical teams experienced in Kasai portoenterostomy techniques. Technical performance was quantified and analyzed using the Objective Structured Assessments of Technical Skills (OSATS) and Generic Error Rating Tool instruments (GERT). Postoperative outcomes and surgical performance were compared.

RESULTS

Compared with LKPE group, RKPE group had shorter fibrous cone transection time (48.92 ± 6.98 vs. 61.45 ± 8.98 min; p < 0.001), shorter hepaticojejunostomy time (47.55 ± 6.57 vs. 59.93 ± 7.88 min; p < 0.001) and less estimated intraoperative bleeding [7.00 (5.00-10.00) vs. 13.50 (10.50-16.50) mL; p < 0.001]. More importantly, RKPE group showed a superior OSATS score [30.50 (29.00-31.00) vs. 28.00 (28.00-29.00); p < 0.001], number of errors (46.62 ± 6.32 vs. 56.40 ± 6.82 times/case; p < 0.001), and number of events [9.40 (8.40-10.40) vs. 16.00 (14.00-17.80) times/case; p < 0.001]. On postoperative days 1 and 3, RKPE group had lower C-reactive protein levels (19.87 ± 12.28 vs. 27.05 ± 11.16 mg/L, p < 0.001; 14.88 ± 7.11 vs. 20.73 ± 9.09 mg/L, p < 0.001). During follow-up, RKPE group had higher jaundice clearance rate at 3 (68.18% vs. 51.09%; p = 0.032) and 6 months (78.79% vs. 64.13%; p = 0.047) postoperatively. However, the cholangitis rate within 1 year postoperatively (46.97% vs. 50.00%; p = 0.707), as well as one-year (75.76% vs. 72.83%; p = 0.678) and two-year survival with native liver rates (68.42% vs. 66.67%; p = 0.857), were comparable between two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

RKPE provided superior technical skill performance and a higher jaundice clearance rate than LKPE, indicating that it may be a better minimally invasive option for BA. In addition, the survival with native liver rate showed no significant difference between the two cohorts, which needs to be confirmed by further study.

Comparison between robotic-assisted Kasai portoenterostomy and open Kasai portoenterostomy in patients with biliary atresia

BACKGROUND

Robotic-assisted Kasai portoenterostomy (RAKPE) is regarded as a treatment option for patients with biliary atresia (BA). We aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of RAKPE to the open Kasai portoenterostomy (OKPE).

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted on a total of 74 type III BA patients who underwent RAKPE (RA group, n = 36) or OKPE (OP group, n = 38) from January 2018 to December 2022. The study analyzed demographic characteristics, intraoperative findings, and postoperative outcomes.

RESULTS

The operative time in the RA group was significantly longer than that in the OP group (218.61 ± 31.70 min vs 178.50 ± 27.90 min, P < 0.05). The estimated blood loss in RA group was significantly lower than that in the OP group (8.65 ± 2.30 mL vs 17.55 ± 3.60 mL, P < 0.05). The recovery time of bowel sounds was significantly shorter in RA group than in the OP group (0.96 ± 0.12 days vs 2.84 ± 0.37 days, P < 0.05). All patients had bile-stained stools within 1-3 days after surgery. The clearance rate of jaundice at 3 and 6 months were significantly higher in RA group than in OP group (69.44% vs 60.53%, 75.00% vs 68.42%, P < 0.05). The rate of cholangitis in RA group was similar to that in OP group (50.00% vs 52.63%, P > 0.05). The native liver survival rate during the follow-up period was comparable between two groups (66.67% vs 63.16%, P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Robotic-assisted Kasai surgery offers advantages in short-term outcomes and the clearance of jaundice in patients with type III BA.

Robotic-assisted Kasai portoenterostomy for child biliary atresia

BACKGROUND

The Kasai procedure (KPE) is an important treatment for biliary atresia (BA), the most common cause of neonatal obstructive jaundice.

AIM

To investigate the efficacy of robotic-assisted Kasai portoenterostomy (RAKPE) in patients with BA.

METHODS

Clinical data of 10 patients with BA who underwent RAKPE at the Seventh Medical Center of the People's Liberation Army General Hospital between December 2018 and December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. One patient underwent Open Kasai portoenterostomy (OKPE) due to intraoperative bleeding. Consequently, nine patients were included in this study. Fifty-two patients who underwent OKPE during the same period served as the control group. Preoperative and postoperative biochemical indexes, surgery-related indexes, and postoperative clearance of jaundice (CJ) were recorded and statistically analyzed.

RESULTS

RAKPE was successfully completed in all nine patients, with an average total operative time of 352.2 minutes (including intraoperative cholangiography). Milk feeding resumed on an average 9.89 days postoperatively, and the average time of drainage tube removal was 18.11 days. All patients were followed up for 6 months to 2 years. The liver function indicators and bilirubin levels in 8 patients returned to normal within 3 months after surgery. Three patients developed recurrent cholangitis after discharge, with elevated white blood cell counts, liver function indicators, and bilirubin levels, requiring hospitalization for intravenous antibiotic treatment. The duration of cholangitis ranged from 5 to 8 months post-surgery. To date, no subsequent cases of cholangitis have occurred. All patients have normal liver function and bilirubin levels, with no intrahepatic bile duct dilatation on ultrasonography. Statistical analysis comparing these indicators with those of patients who underwent OKPE showed that the RAKPE group had longer operative times and postoperative drainage tube removal durations. However, there were no significant differences in intraoperative blood loss, postoperative oral milk intake resumption, postoperative hospital stay, or CJ at 3 months post-surgery.

CONCLUSION

RAKPE is technically feasible, safe, and effective for treating BA. Once the technique is mastered, RAKPE may achieve CJ outcomes comparable to those of OKPE.

Advances in the surgical technique of Kasai portoenterostomy

Biliary atresia is a rare, degenerative, and obliterative inflammatory disease of the bile ducts in neonates, affecting both the intra- and extrahepatic biliary tract. With an unknown etiology and no parallel condition in adults or older children, biliary atresia affects 1 in 10,000-18,000 live births and, if untreated, progresses to liver cirrhosis and death by the age of two. The Kasai portoenterostomy, introduced in 1950, remains the primary palliative procedure to restore bile drainage and delay the need for liver transplantation, which is required in cases of biliary flow failure. Biliary atresia continues to be the leading cause of pediatric liver transplants, accounting for up to 75 % of procedures in children under two years. While the Kasai technique has undergone numerous modifications; surgeons at Juntendo University Hospital, Japan, have modernized the procedure while preserving Dr. Kasai's original portoenterostomy principles. Since 2009, the hospital has been a pioneer in laparoscopic Kasai portoenterostomy; this article presents a detailed description of the state-of-the-art approaches and postoperative management, along with analysis of the latest outcomes. These advancements highlight the hospital's role as a leader in treatment of biliary atresia.

Predicting and optimising outcome for biliary atresia

Biliary atresia (BA) remains a disease of significant morbidity and mortality world-wide. Early and accurate diagnosis facilitates early intervention and improves outcomes. The gold standard in diagnosing BA is a liver biopsy followed by cholangiography, usually performed intra-operatively. Serum markers, like the aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio, matrix metalloproteinase-7 and several inflammatory cytokines have been recently investigated as non-invasive alternatives with varying degrees of success. Newer immunohistochemical analysis of liver biopsies, such as the expression of secretin receptors and Ki-67, from infants with BA have improved our understanding of the disease process and has shed a little light in predicting post-operative outcomes. There is little standardisation in the care of BA post operatively, though administration of steroids, prevention and treatment of cholangitis with antibiotics and anti-viral therapy for CMV+ve infants are becoming universally accepted as treatment. Experimental stem cell treatments show promise although remain in the out-of-reach future for now in routine clinical practice. This chapter aims to comprehensively describe recent knowledge on predicting the clinical outcomes of infants with BA, as well as optimising their care post operatively.

Comparison of Da Vinci Robotic-Assisted with Open Kasai Portoenterostomy for Biliary Atresia

BACKGROUND

Robotic-assisted Kasai portoenterostomy (RAKPE) has been used to treat biliary atresia (BA). This study aimed to compare the efficacy of RAKPE and open Kasai portoenterostomy (OKPE) for BA.

METHODS

Thirty-one children with type III BA who underwent surgical treatment in two centers from January 2022 to December 2023 were retrospectively collected. According to the operative techniques, the participants were divided into the RAKPE group (13 cases) and the OKPE group (18 cases). The operative time, jaundice clearance (JC) rate, and incidence of cholangitis were analyzed.

RESULTS

The operative time in the RAKPE group (204.3 ± 19.9 min) was significantly longer than that in the OKPE group (186.2 ± 22.2 min), P < 0.05. However, the blood loss (8.1 ± 2.5 ml) in the RAKPE group was significantly decreased compared with the OKPE group (13.6 ± 4.8 ml), and 15.4% patient need blood transfusion in RAKEP group was litter than that 55.6% in the OKPE group, P < 0.05. The time to oral feeding (2.8 ± 0.4 days vs. 4.3 ± 0.7 days) and the time to pass ICG-positive stools (3.6 ± 0.6 days vs. 4.7 ± 0.9 days) in the RAKPE group were significantly shorter than those in the OKPE group, P < 0.05. No significant differences were observed in the bile excretion rate, hospital stay time, and JC rate. The incidence of cholangitis in the RAKPE group was significantly lower than that in the OKPE group during short follow-up.

CONCLUSION

RAKPE may be associated with lower intraoperative blood loss, decrease need for postoperative transfusions and decreased rate of postoperative cholangitis compared to OKPE.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Comparison of different Kasai portoenterostomy techniques in the outcomes of biliary atresia: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Biliary atresia (BA) is a progressive disease affecting the bile duct structure and function, leading to poor outcomes without timely surgical intervention. Kasai portoenterostomy (KPE) is a commonly used treatment to restore bile flow. However, the success rate and postoperative outcomes of KPE vary with different surgical techniques, including laparoscopic, robot-assisted, and open approaches.

METHODS

Following the PRISMA guidelines, this study systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases for literature on BA surgical techniques of KPE. Studies comparing two or all three techniques-laparoscopic, robot-assisted, and open-in terms of postoperative outcomes of KPE in BA patients were included. Utilizing the "gemtc" package in R version 4.3.3, NMA was conducted to compare postoperative clearance of jaundice (COJ) among different surgical techniques. We also performed traditional paired meta-analysis in which multiple surgical outcomes were compared.

RESULTS

According to the traditional definition of a successful KPE surgery, in terms of successful postoperative COJ, robotic-assisted Kasai portoenterostomy (RAKPE) shows advantage over open Kasai portoenterostomy (OKPE) and laparoscopic Kasai portoenterostomy (LKPE), while the outcomes between OKPE and LKPE are equivalent. However, statistically speaking, there is no significant difference among the three techniques. LKPE has a longer operation time and less intraoperative bleeding compared to OKPE. There are no statistically significant differences in hospital stay, cholangitis incidence, or liver survival rates at 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, or 5 years.

CONCLUSION

The surgical success rates of KPE with various technical aids are similar, highlighting the need to consider individual patient conditions and cost when choosing a surgical technique. Effective postoperative management is vital for preventing complications and slowing liver fibrosis. Future research should focus on improving surgical techniques and postoperative care to enhance long-term outcomes for BA patients. For those who cannot maintain liver function with KPE, timely LT consideration is crucial.

Biliary atresia

Biliary atresia (BA) is a progressive inflammatory fibrosclerosing disease of the biliary system and a major cause of neonatal cholestasis. It affects 1:5,000-20,000 live births, with the highest incidence in Asia. The pathogenesis is still unknown, but emerging research suggests a role for ciliary dysfunction, redox stress and hypoxia. The study of the underlying mechanisms can be conceptualized along the likely prenatal timing of an initial insult and the distinction between the injury and prenatal and postnatal responses to injury. Although still speculative, these emerging concepts, new diagnostic tools and early diagnosis might enable neoadjuvant therapy (possibly aimed at oxidative stress) before a Kasai portoenterostomy (KPE). This is particularly important, as timely KPE restores bile flow in only 50-75% of patients of whom many subsequently develop cholangitis, portal hypertension and progressive fibrosis; 60-75% of patients require liver transplantation by the age of 18 years. Early diagnosis, multidisciplinary management, centralization of surgery and optimized interventions for complications after KPE lead to better survival. Postoperative corticosteroid use has shown benefits, whereas the role of other adjuvant therapies remains to be evaluated. Continued research to better understand disease mechanisms is necessary to develop innovative treatments, including adjuvant therapies targeting the immune response, regenerative medicine approaches and new clinical tests to improve patient outcomes.

Comparison of robotic versus thoracoscopic repair for congenital esophageal atresia: a propensity score matching analysis

BACKGROUND

Despite the rapid advancement of robotic surgery across various surgical domains, only cases of robotic repair (RR) for neonates with esophageal atresia (EA) have been reported. Comprehensive studies comparing RR and thoracoscopic repair (TR) are lacking. The authors aimed to compare the safety and efficacy of RR and TR for EA.

METHODS

A retrospective multicenter study was conducted on 155 EA neonates undergoing RR (79 patients) or TR (76 patients) between August 2020 and February 2023 using propensity score matching. Asymmetric port distribution and step-trocar insertion techniques were applied during RR. Demographics and surgical outcomes were compared.

RESULTS

After matching, 63 patients (out of 79) in RR group and 63 patients (out of 76) in TR group were included. There were no significant differences in short-term outcomes between two groups, except for longer total operative time (173.81 vs. 160.54 min; P <0.001) and shorter anastomotic time (29.52 vs. 40.21 min; P <0.001) in RR group. Compared with TR group, the RR group had older age at surgery (8.00 vs. 3.00 days; P <0.001), but a comparable pneumonia rate. More importantly, the incidence of anastomotic leakage (4.76 vs. 19.05%, P =0.013), anastomotic stricture (15.87 vs. 31.74%, P =0.036) within 1 year postoperatively, and unplanned readmission (32.26 vs. 60.00%, P =0.030) within 2 years postoperatively were lower in RR group than in TR group.

CONCLUSIONS

RR is a technically safe and effective option for EA patients. This approach delays the age of surgery without increasing respiratory complication rates while reducing the incidence of postoperative anastomotic complications and unplanned readmission.

A convenient nomogram for predicting early death or liver transplantation after the Kasai procedure in patients with biliary atresia

PURPOSE

Many patients with biliary atresia (BA) after the Kasai procedure (KP) progress to death or require liver transplantation to achieve long-term survival; however, most cases of death/liver transplantation (D/LT) occur in the early period after KP (usually within 1 year). This study was designed to construct a convenient nomogram for predicting early D/LT in patients with BA after KP.

METHODS

A BA cohort was established in May 2017, and up to May 2023, 112 patients with 1-5 years of follow-up were enrolled in the study and randomly (ratio, 3:1) divided into a training cohort for constructing a nomogram (n = 84) and a validation cohort (n = 28) for externally validating the discrimination and calibration. The training cohort was divided into two groups: the early D/LT group (patients who died or had undergone LT within 1 year after KP [n = 35]) and the control group (patients who survived through the native liver more than 1 year after KP [n = 49]). Multivariate logistic regression and stepwise regression were applied to detect variables with the best predictive ability for the construction of the nomogram. The discrimination and calibration of the nomogram were internally and externally validated.

RESULTS

The Kaplan-Meier (K-M) curve showed an actual 1-year native liver transplantation (NLS) rate of 57.1% and an estimated 2-year NLS rate of 55.2%. By multivariate regression and stepwise regression, age at KP, jaundice clearance (JC) speed 1 month after KP, early-onset PC (initial time < 36.5 days) after KP, sex, aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI), and weight at KP were identified as the independent variables with the best ability to predict early D/LT and were used to construct a nomogram. The developed nomogram based on these independent variables showed relatively good discrimination and calibration according to internal and external validation.

CONCLUSION

Most D/LTs were early D/LTs that occurred within 1 year after KP. The established nomogram based on predictors, including sex, weight at the KP, the APRI, age at the KP, JC speed 1 month after the KP, and early PC, may be useful for predicting early D/LT and may be helpful for counseling BA patients about patient prognosis after KP. This study was retrospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05909033) in June 2023.