Advantages of robot-assisted surgery in anorectal malformations: Report of a case

Abstract

Laparoscopy has been widely used to repair anorectal malformations (ARMs) by paediatric surgeons in an attempt to be less invasive, offer better cosmetic results, enable a faster return of bowel function, decrease length of hospital stay and pain, and lately to improve functional results. Robotic technology assists the paediatric surgeon by increasing dexterity and precision of movement with a robotic wrist-like mechanism that allows up to 90° of articulation and 7° of freedom. This is important in ARM surgery, where the dissection of the fistula and the pull-through of the rectum into the muscular complex are crucial to achieve continence in future.