Morgagni Hernia Repair in a Small Child Using da Vinci Robotic Instruments - A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: The recently introduced use of robotic surgery in minimally invasive surgery procedures facilitates several steps in the operative procedure. We report the first case of a robot-assisted laparoscopic repair of a Morgagni hernia using the da Vinci(R) Surgical System from Intuitive Surgical(R) (Sunnyvale, CA, USA) in a 7.8 kg 18-month-old child. METHODS: Four trocars were used to gain access to the abdomen. The robot-enhanced instruments were used to close the hernia defect with interrupted, absorbable sutures, using intracorporeal knot tying. RESULTS: The operation was completed laparoscopically without a patch. The total setup time for the robotic system was 35 minutes including draping. The operating time at the robotic console was 80 minutes. The child tolerated an oral intake the day after surgery and was discharged home on the third postoperative day. CONCLUSION: Robot-assisted laparoscopic Morgagni hernia repair is feasible in small children.