Synchronous robotic repair of anterior diaphragmatic (Morgagni) hernia & low anterior resection for rectal cancer

Abstract

BACKGROUND: We present the case report of synchronous trans-fascial repair of a large congenital Morgagni hernia (MH) and low anterior resection using a fully robotic approach. METHODS: A 61-year old female presented with fresh red blood in her stool. She had a previous history of abdominal hysterectomy and a performance status of 0. Imaging revealed a low rectal cancer and incidental large MH. RESULTS: Using the Da Vinci X platform the procedure was successfully performed; total operating time of 450 min, <200 ml blood loss and 5 days hospital stay. Post-operative scan at 6 months, 1 and 2 years showed no evidence of hernia or cancer recurrence. CONCLUSION: We have demonstrated that complex multi-visceral procedures can be safely performed on fully robotic platforms, even in previously disturbed surgical fields. The robotic approach may provide the opportunity for seamless multi-speciality operating simultaneously in multiple body cavities.