Cromwell Hospital has successfully launched a robotic-assisted paediatric urology service, marking an important milestone in the development of its paediatric surgical services.
Miss Marie-Klaire Farrugia, Consultant Paediatric Surgeon and Urologist, is using robotic-assisted technology to treat children with pelvi-ureteric junction (PUJ) obstruction in the kidney – a condition where the flow of urine from the kidney to the ureter is blocked, potentially causing pain, infection, and kidney damage if left untreated. Other robotic-assisted urology procedures in children include ureteric reimplantation and nephrectomy.
A pyeloplasty is the surgical procedure used to repair this obstruction and restore normal drainage from the kidney. While pyeloplasty has traditionally been performed through open surgery or laparoscopic techniques, robotic-assisted surgery offers several advantages for children.
The robotic platform provides surgeons with enhanced precision, including three-dimensional visualisation and finely controlled instruments that are particularly suited to operating within the small space of a child’s abdomen. This can help surgeons perform complex reconstructive procedures with greater dexterity and accuracy.
Children also benefit from a faster recovery, as the procedure is performed through small incisions, resulting in less pain, lower analgesic requirements, and a quicker return to normal activities. In addition, hospital stays are often shorter, with most children able to return home the morning after surgery. Smaller incisions can also result in less visible scarring.
Outcomes following robotic pyeloplasty are comparable to both open and laparoscopic approaches, while offering the additional benefits associated with minimally invasive surgery.
Miss Marie-Klaire Farrugia said: “We are delighted to be offering robotic-assisted surgery in children at Cromwell Hospital. Robotic-assisted surgery allows us to perform highly precise reconstructive procedures through very small incisions, which means less pain, faster recovery, and an earlier return home for children and their families. This milestone reflects our commitment to providing the latest surgical innovations and the highest standards of paediatric care.”
The introduction of robotic paediatric urology further strengthens Cromwell Hospital’s ability to offer advanced, minimally invasive treatment options for children, combining specialist expertise with leading-edge technology to support the best possible patient outcomes.