Robotics in Pediatric Urology: Evolution and the Future

Urol Clin North Am. 2021 Feb;48(1):113-125. doi: 10.1016/j.ucl.2020.09.008. Epub 2020 Nov 5.

Abstract

Almost 30 years have passed since the inception of minimally invasive surgery in urology and specifically in pediatric urology. Laparoscopy has now become an essential tool in the pediatric urologic armamentarium. The application of robot-assisted surgery in pediatrics has allowed for widespread utilization for common reconstructive procedures such as pyeloplasty and ureteral reimplantation. Understanding the implementation, technical considerations, and outcomes are critical for continued success and adoption. This has allowed for increased use in more complex urologic procedures such as redo pyeloplasty, dismembered ureteral reimplantation, catheterizable channel creation, and bladder augmentation.

Keywords: Bladder augmentation; Minimally invasive surgery; Pediatric robotic surgery; Pediatric urologic reconstruction; Ureteropelvic junction obstruction; Vesicoureteral reflux.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anesthesia
  • Child
  • Forecasting
  • Humans
  • Kidney Pelvis / surgery*
  • Learning Curve
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures / methods
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures / trends
  • Replantation
  • Robotic Surgical Procedures / instrumentation
  • Robotic Surgical Procedures / methods*
  • Robotic Surgical Procedures / trends
  • Ureter / surgery*
  • Ureteral Obstruction / surgery
  • Urologic Diseases / congenital
  • Urologic Diseases / surgery*
  • Urologic Surgical Procedures / methods*
  • Urologic Surgical Procedures / trends
  • Vesico-Ureteral Reflux / surgery