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The e-mémoires of the Académie Nationale de Chirurgie

Robot-Assisted Surgery in Pediatric Urology: What Is Left for Open Surgery?

Matthieu PEYCELON

Seance of wednesday 15 october 2025 (La chirurgie pédiatrique accompagne avec innovations et optimisme ses nouvelles générations)

DOI number : 10.26299//emem.2023.42.05

Abstract

The introduction of robot-assisted surgery in pediatric urology has significantly transformed surgical care for a wide range of congenital and acquired conditions. It offers the precision required for delicate dissection and complex reconstruction while maintaining a minimally invasive approach, leading to reduced postoperative morbidity and length of hospital stay, and even faster recovery.
Over the past two decades, many procedures once performed through open then laparoscopic surgery have been successfully adapted to robotic platforms: nephrectomies, pyeloplasties, bladder augmentations, Mitrofanoff and other continent channel procedures.
This presentation will provide an overview of the current indications for robotic surgery in pediatric urology, analyze functional outcomes, review comparative data versus open surgery, and discuss current limitations related to age, weight, and learning curves. It will also explore the evolving and still essential role of open surgery in the era of robotics.