Visualization of the Duct of Luschka During a Robotic-Assisted, Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Report of a Rare Event

TL;DR

This paper reports a rare case where the duct of Luschka was clearly visualized and managed during a robotic cholecystectomy.

Contribution

The novelty lies in demonstrating the enhanced visualization of the duct of Luschka using robotic surgery.

Findings

The da Vinci Surgical System enabled clear visualization of the duct of Luschka during a cholecystectomy.

The duct was successfully managed without difficulty during the procedure.

This case highlights the potential for improved safety and management of subvesical ducts using robotic assistance.

Abstract

A laparoscopic cholecystectomy is one of the most common surgeries performed by general surgeons in the United States. With the increasing amount of robotic surgery being performed, there are clinical scenarios seen from entirely new angles, given the improved visualization that the da Vinci Surgical System (Intuitive Surgical, Inc., Sunnyvale, California, United States) offers. One of these potential scenarios is the visualization of subvesical ducts, or better known as the duct of Luschka. In this case, we were able to use the da Vinci to clearly visualize one of these ducts in the process of getting our critical view of safety, and control it without difficulty. This report provides an example to discuss the management of ducts of Luschka and their bile leaks, if noted during the initial operation.

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