Robotic Surgery for Children: Benefits, Procedures & Outcomes

In the last 10 years, robotic pediatric surgery has become a viable procedure for certain interventions, offering less pain and quicker recovery time. In considering this path, a cursory understanding of procedure, applications, benefits and outcomes is necessary.

Procedure

• During robotic surgery, a camera and tiny robotic instruments are introduced into the patient's body through small incisions. A surgeon directs the camera and instruments from a bedside console. While the robot greatly enhances the precision, the surgeon retains complete control of the robot's performance

Applications

• Robots are used for various common and complex pediatric surgical procedures, the use of which mainly depends on the institutional access and capability. Common applications include hernia and fistula repair, cyst excision, appendectomy and cholecystectomy. On the more complex end of the spectrum are cardiac and brain procedures.

Benefits and Outcomes

• The use of robotic procedures allows for smaller incisions, less pain and shorter recovery times. However, studies have not shown greater clinical outcomes from robotics, leaving traditional and robotic surgery both as viable options for pediatric treatments.