Pediatrics

Minimally invasive surgery is becoming increasingly significant in pediatric medicine. The use of minimally invasive visualization tools, combined with computer enhanced robotics technology, provides the surgeon superior views and very precise access to the patients' internal anatomy. The results of this application of the technology to smaller patients are demonstrated in improvement in patient outcomes – less pain, trauma and stress both physically and emotionally for both children and parents.

Children's hospitals throughout the world are successfully integrating robotics into their surgical practice. Today, surgical robotic systems have helped surgeons perform complex pediatric general surgery and cardiothoracic operations.

Procedures

Pediatric Nissen Fundoplication

• Superb visualization and access to tissue planes
• Easier creation of a retroesophageal window
• More precise suture placement

Pediatric Cardiothoracic

• Superb visualization and access to anatomy
• Unparalleled dexterity for complex dissection and suturing
• Broad application for thoracic and cardiotomy procedures

Surgeon Perspective

"The introduction of practical surgical robotic devices has opened a new perspective on minimal access surgery in all surgical endeavors. Used in the context of laparoscopic surgical procedures, the surgical robot appears to offer the potential for efficient delicate, controlled surgical manipulation in small children."

Craig A. Peters, M.D., FACS, FAAP
Associate Professor of Surgery
Harvard Medical School
Children's Hospital Boston