Editorial Comment

Abstract

This case report describes the use of the da Vinci Surgical System to perform a repair of a CBD in a child. The authors describe their technique clearly and provide excellent images of this procedure. As with all applications of a new technology, we are compelled to ask whether the use of this new technology leads to equivalent or better outcomes than existing procedures. To paraphrase Willet Whitmore “Is it possible to perform this procedure with the robot? Is the robot necessary for this procedure?” I believe, in well-selected patients with CBD, that the answer to the first question is “yes.” Clearly, this procedure can be done as an open procedure. However, the ease of suturing afforded by the da Vinci system allows for much more rapid and accurate repair of the bladder than traditional laparoscopy. With increased experience using the da Vinci system, I believe most urologists will come to recognize the advantages of this technology and answer the second question “yes” as well. Pediatric Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic DiverticulectomyUrologyVol. 73Issue 2PreviewCongenital bladder diverticula are rare anomalies of the bladder. Patients present with infection, hematuria, and/or urinary obstruction. We report on the case of a 12-year-old boy who developed gross hematuria and recurrent infection owing to a 12-cm bladder diverticulum. Robotic-assisted laparoscopic diverticulectomy was performed. We describe the first reported robotic-assisted laparoscopic diverticulectomy in a pediatric patient. Full-Text PDF ReplyUrologyVol. 73Issue 2PreviewWe thank the reviewer for his comments and certainly agree with the idea that the advantages of the robotic surgical system are becoming increasingly recognized by urologists. Although the use of the robotic surgical system is often cited as a method to “shorten the learning curve” and allow those less-skilled in laparoscopy to use the laparoscopic approach, we believe there are certainly other distinct advantages to the dexterity and visualization offered by the da Vinci Surgical System, and this case illustrated those benefits nicely. Full-Text PDF