Recent Developments in the Use of Robotic Technology in Pediatric Urology

Robotic surgery affords refined surgical movements that exceed the natural range of motion of the human hand, combined with high definition three-dimensional visualization and superior magnification. While open surgery has long been the standard of care in the pediatric population, robot-assisted surgery (RAS) has gained increasing acceptance among pediatric urologists, bridging the gap between laparoscopy and open surgery. Pyeloplasty for ureteropelvic junction obstruction remains the most commonly performed robotic procedure in pediatric urology; however, utilization of RAS has expanded to include nearly all upper and lower urinary tract surgeries in the pediatric urologist's armamentarium. Ongoing innovation has led to improved methods and instrumentation, facilitating ease of patient recovery and improved quality of life outcomes.