Current perspectives in robotic assisted pediatric surgery

Abstract

Minimal access surgery (MAS) in pediatrics, has exponentially expanded in India in the last 2 decades. Since its introduction in the beginning of this century, Robotic assisted surgery (RAS) is being performed for various indications in pediatric population. We reviewed various articles to seek the evidence regarding the indications, benefits, complications and costs of robotic assisted surgery (RAS) in children. The article also compares RAS with conventional surgical techniques both open and laparoscopy with the aim to provide its current and future implications in developing country like India. The peer-reviewed literature was searched for studies that provided evidence of the feasibility and safety of robotic surgery in children and for studies that compared RAS with laparoscopy or open surgery. Review of various studies showed that RAS in children was safe and feasible as compared with traditional laparoscopic and open surgery. However, the advantages of the robotic system were best seen in complex urological procedures and in surgeries involving more of suturing especially in areas which are deep to access. Cost considerations and lack of training centers in India is a major drawback in the current scenario. ConclusionsGiven the advantage of technical refinements in instruments, its precision and accuracy, RAS in children is growing worldwide. Cheaper instruments and more training centers will eventually make robotic surgery cost effective in the near future and RAS may become an alternative to laparoscopy in future.