The Integration of Robotic Technology in Pediatric Surgery

Abstract

Robotic surgical systems have emerged over the past 3–5 years as a technological assistant for the minimal access surgeon. The development of this technology arose from the atomic industry, military experience, and NASA. The application of this technology to surgery was developed from a need to solve limitations encountered with conventional minimal access surgery (CMAS). The advantages offered by this technology are especially important in pediatric surgery, specifically for infants and complex minimal access procedures. Two such systems have been approved for clinical use and both are being used in children. The addition of robotics to CMAS promises to expand and improve minimal access surgery for children. Additionally, robotic minimal access surgery (RMAS) will provide a technology platform for integration of other technology that will facilitate better preoperative and intraoperative planning and management.