Multicenter Comparison of Laparoscopic Versus Open Repair of Duodenal Atresia in Neonates

Introduction: Traditional duodenal atresia (DA) repair involves a laparotomy. There have been reports of laparoscopic repair (LAP), in lieu of the open laparotomy approach (OPN), with varying degrees of success. The merit of this alternative warrants continued investigation. The purpose of this study was to determine whether there were outcome differences after neonatal DA repair based on surgical approach. Methods: IRB approved retrospective review of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Pediatric database (2012-2018) was conducted. International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-9 (751.1) and ICD-10 codes (Q41.0) identified DA repair. Patient demographics, perioperative, and postoperative variables were collected. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed. Unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression models assessed associations between surgical approach and outcomes. Results: A total of 917 cases were identified, 803 (87.6%) OPN, 75 (8.2%) LAP, and 39 (4.2%) LAP to OPN. Median age at surgery was 2 days (interquartile range [IQR] = 1-3). Females represented 56% of the LAP (n = 42), and 51% of the OPN (n = 412, P = .470). The LAP group had higher weight at surgery (2.8 kg, IQR = 2.3-3.1), compared with the OPN (2.6 kg, IQR = 2.1-2.9, P = .009); and longer operative time (161 minutes, IQR = 107-206; OPN 106 minutes, IQR = 85-135, P < .001). In unadjusted models, median postoperative stay was 4 days shorter (95% confidence interval = -7.5 to -0.5) among LAP compared with OPN. Adjusted models for postoperative stay, complication risks, and unplanned reoperation were not statistically different. Conclusion: Most DA repairs are performed through OPN. LAP resulted in shorter length of stay in unadjusted models. Similar incidence of complications and reoperation suggest that LAP may be as safe as OPN, when employed by skilled experienced pediatric surgeons.