Laparoscopic Robotic-Assisted Restorative Proctocolectomy and Ileal J-Pouch-Anorectal Anastomosis in Children: Shifting to a Two Stage-Approach

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Restorative proctocolectomy (RPC) with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) is the gold standard surgical treatment for patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) unresponsive to medical therapy and those with familial adenomatous polyposis. Robotic IPAA is a safe and feasible option for the surgical treatment of UC in children. The feasibility of IPAA without ileostomy has been demonstrated in adult in the modified two-stage approach. <b><i>Aim:</i></b> The aim of the study was to examine feasibility, outcomes, and complications of robotic modified two-stage approach for RPC with IPAA in pediatric patients comparing it with robotic three-stage approach. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> All patients aged 4-18 years who underwent operative treatment for medically refractory UC were included. Demographic and clinical features, age at colectomy and at reconstructive surgery, intraoperative details and complications, and postoperative outcomes were analyzed. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Thirteen patients were included in the study (6 males, 7 females). Ileostomy was fashioned in 8 patients at the time of RPC and IPAA (Group 1); in 5 patients the bowel continuity was reintegrated at the time of IPAA (Group 2). No intraoperative complications and no conversions were recorded. One patient of Group 1 had a postoperative pouch complication. The 5 patients who underwent a two-stage procedure did not show short-term complications. No statistical differences were found between the groups in short-term (<i>P</i> = .48) and long-term complications (<i>P</i> = .07). <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Modified two-stage IPAA is a safe and feasible option in pediatric patients with UC, and RALS offers advantages over other techniques for the precision of rectal dissection and ileo-anal anastomosis.