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Urology
Center for Robotic Surgery
The Division of Pediatric Urology at Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital routinely treats urological conditions in children using robotic surgery for procedures that include pyeloplasty for ureteropelvic junction, or UPJ, obstruction; partial and total nephrectomy; nephroureterectomy; and ureteral reimplantation. Originally used in adults, this advanced technology is now used in children and even infants.
About Robotic SurgeryRobotic surgery is a type of laparoscopic surgery. At the start of the robotic surgery, miniature instruments are introduced into the body by the surgeon via small tubes, eliminating the need for larger incisions. During robotic surgery, the surgeon sits at a console a few feet away from the patient.
Within the robot console, the surgeon's hand motions manipulate the miniature instruments that are inside the patient. These finger and hand motions are measured 1,300 times per second by a computer program that then replicates these motions in the body.
Benefits of Robotic SurgeryRobotic surgery allows our pediatric patients to get better in a better way. Standard laparoscopy offers the benefits of nearly undetectable scars, less post-operative pain and quicker recuperation. The robotic approach has all of these advantages, as well as increased magnification and surgical dexterity. Another advantage is that the console's image is three-dimensional, resulting from the dual lenses in the robot's camera. Finally, the major advantage the robot offers is the seven degrees of rotation freedom that each instrument enjoys. These degrees of rotation of the instruments allow for meticulous surgical maneuvers. Surgeons are able to manipulate the instruments as nimbly as they would with their own fingers and wrists and in an intuitive fashion. All of these advantages combine to allow us to perform complex surgeries on the kidney and bladder in very young children.
Current Robotic Surgery ProceduresOur Division uses robotic surgery for procedures in children as young as 12 months old These procedures include pyeloplasty for ureteropelvic junction, or UPJ, obstruction; partial and total nephrectomy; nephroureterectomy; and ureteral reimplantation, among others. We have also performed reconstructive procedures such as the MACE procedure in which the appendix is used for enemas and bowel control. Future reconstructive procedures are planned.
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