Doctors at Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bengaluru, have reported what is likely the first robotic pancreatic surgery performed in a one-month-old infant, successfully managing severe hypoglycemia due to congenital hyperinsulinism. The infant, Inaya, developed recurrent hypoglycemic episodes within two weeks of life that persisted despite high-concentration intravenous glucose support. She was later assessed by Pediatric Endocrinologist, Dr Kavitha Bhat, where further evaluation, including genetic testing, pointed toward focal congenital hyperinsulinism. An 18F-DOPA PET/CT scan revealed a 0.5 cm lesion in the pancreas, with the rest of the gland appearing normal.
With a focal and potentially curable lesion identified, surgical intervention was planned. The team evaluated both open and robotic approaches. Open surgery in neonates carries a higher risk of removing excess pancreatic tissue,…
