Trends in robotic surgery utilization across tertiary children’s hospitals in the United States

Robotic-Assisted Versus Laparoscopic Approach for Treatment of Acute Cholecystitis in Children

Introduction: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (Lap-C) is the standard of care for patients requiring cholecystectomy in the acute setting. Although robotic-assisted cholecystectomy (RA-C) performance has increased, utilization in the acute setting has not been widely reported. We describe the feasibility of RA-C for pediatric patients undergoing acute inpatient cholecystectomy. Methods: A single institutional retrospective review of patients receiving RA-C while admitted for acute cholecystitis and/or choledocholithiasis (June 2017-June 2022) was compared with a matched cohort who underwent traditional multiport Lap-C (June 2021-June 2022). Demographic, perioperative, and postoperative data were analyzed. Results: Fifty patients were included: 25 each in the RA-C and Lap-C groups. Fifty-four percent were female; 66% were non-Hispanic white. Median age (15.7 years [interquartile range, IQR 14.7, 17.3] versus 15.3 years [IQR 14.5, 16.9], P = .91) and preoperative weight (92.6 kg [IQR 60, 105.9] versus 72.3 kg [IQR 61.6, 85.6], P = .15) were similar between the RA-C and Lap-C groups, respectively. No differences were observed in median operating time (89 minutes [IQR 76, 103] versus 88 minutes [IQR 77, 137], P = .70), postoperative length of stay (22.5 hours [21.4, 24.9] versus 20.6 hours [18.0, 25.1], P = .06), or 30-day complications (12% versus 16%, P = .69). Although opioid utilization (.23 milliequivalents/kilogram [MME/kg] [IQR .03, .30] versus .03 MME/kg [0, .09], P = .02) was higher in the RA-C cohort overall, no differences were detected during an analysis of the most recent 2 years (P = .96). Conclusion: RA-C in the acute setting can be performed safely in the pediatric population with comparable procedural times as well as perioperative and 30-day outcomes.

European Association of Urology/European Society for Paediatric Urology Guidelines on Paediatric Urology: Summary of the 2024 Updates

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

We present an overview of the 2024 updates for the European Association of Urology (EAU)/European Society for Paediatric Urology (ESPU) guidelines on paediatric urology to offer evidence-based standards for perioperative management, minimally invasive surgery (MIS), hydrocele, congenital lower urinary tract obstruction (CLUTO), trauma/emergencies, and fertility preservation.

METHODS

A broad literature search was performed for each condition. Recommendations were developed and rated as strong or weak on the basis of the quality of the evidence, the benefit/harm ratio, and potential patient preferences.

KEY FINDINGS AND LIMITATIONS

Recommendations for perioperative management include points related to fasting, premedication, antibiotic prophylaxis, pain control, and thromboprophylaxis in patients requiring general anaesthesia. MIS use is increasing in paediatric urology, with no major differences observed among different MIS approaches. For hydrocele, observation is the initial approach recommended. For persistent cases, treatment varies according to the type of hydrocele. CLUTO cases should be managed in tertiary centres with multidisciplinary expertise in prenatal and postnatal management. Neonatal valve ablation remains the mainstay of treatment, but associated bladder dysfunction requires continuous treatment. Among urological traumas and emergencies, renal trauma is still an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Conservative management has become the standard approach in haemodynamically stable children. Ischaemic priapism is a medical emergency and requires stepwise management. Initial management of nonischaemic priapism is conservative. Fertility preservation in prepubertal children and adolescents has become an increasingly relevant issue owing to the ever-increasing number of cancer survivors receiving gonadotoxic therapies. A major limitation is the scarcity of relevant literature.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

This summary of the 2024 EAU/ESPU guidelines provides updated guidance for evidence-based management of some paediatric urological conditions.

PATIENT SUMMARY

We provide a summary of the updated European Association of Urology/European Society for Paediatric Urology guidelines on paediatric urology. There are recommendations on steps to take before and immediately after surgery, management of hydrocele, congenital lower urinary tract obstruction, and urological trauma/emergencies, as well as preservation of fertility. Recommendations are based on a comprehensive review of recent studies.

Utilization of a Single-Site Port as an Adjunct for Multi-Port Robotic-Assisted Surgery in Children

Introduction: The focused use of a single-site port as an adjunct designed to decrease overall port site number and/or assist with specimen extraction in pediatric robotic surgery has not been fully elucidated. We aimed to describe the feasibility of using the single-site port as an adjunct during multi-port robotic-assisted minimally invasive surgery (RA-MIS). Methods: A single institution retrospective review of pediatric patients who underwent multiport RA-MIS with an adjunctive single-site (SS) port from August 2018 to October 2022 was performed. Demographic, perioperative, and postoperative variables were collected; descriptive analysis was performed. Results: A total of 13 patients were included; 46% were female, and 47% were Caucasian. Median age at surgery was 14.9 years of age (interquartile range [IQR] 10.6, 18); median weight was 61.1 kg (IQR 39.7, 73.6). Eleven patients (85%) underwent splenectomy; 2 patients (15%) underwent adrenalectomy. Four patients had a combined procedure (SS cholecystectomy with multi-port splenectomy [n = 3], multi-port bilateral adrenalectomy [n = 1]). The median total operative time was 197 minutes (IQR 131, 316); median console time was 59 minutes (IQR 40, 126). Two 8 mm robotic ports were utilized for all but 1 patient who required a third 8 mm port. The median length of stay was 2.1 days (IQR 2.0, 3.1). One readmission for fever occurred following a combined cholecystectomy/splenectomy. No hernias or wound infections were identified at the single-site port. Conclusion: Use of a SS port as an adjunct is a feasible option and should be considered for those with splenomegaly or need for combined procedures in different quadrants of the abdomen.

Robotics in Pediatric Urology: A Review

BACKGROUND

Recent technological advances have enabled pediatric urologist to push the envelope of minimally invasive techniques. Recently, implementing robots into laparoscopic procedures has enabled the mitigation of certain drawbacks, opening the door for the implementation of minimally invasive techniques. The purpose of this review is to identify the current state surrounding robotic surgery and explore future directions for the field.

METHODS

The authors undertook a literature search to explore the current state of robotic surgery in pediatric procedures.

RESULTS

While operative times are longer for robotic surgery, robotic surgery operations have reported shorter post-operative hospital stays, lower pain medication use, and similar success rates relative to open procedures. New advances in training may enable improved training paradigms for novice surgeons, decreasing future operative times.

CONCLUSION

Evidence from the field suggests robotic surgery is an optimal alternative to open procedures, conferring advantages to both the patient and surgeon.

Robotic-assisted Pediatric Thoracic and Abdominal Tumor Resection: An Initial Multi-center Review

INTRODUCTION

Robotic-assisted minimally invasive surgery (RA-MIS) for tumor resection is an emerging technology in the pediatric population with significant promise but unproven safety and feasibility.

METHODS

A multi-center retrospective review of patients ≤18 years undergoing RA-MIS tumor resection from December 2015-March 2023 was performed. Patient demographics, perioperative variables, and complication rates were analyzed.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine procedures were performed on 38 patients (17 thoracic, 22 abdominal); 37% female and 68% non-Hispanic White. Median age at surgery was 8.3 years (IQR 5.7, 15.7); the youngest was 1.7 years-old. Thoracic operations included resections of neuroblastic tumors (n = 16) and a single paraganglioma. The most common abdominal operations included resections of neuroblastic tumors (n = 5), pheochromocytomas (n = 3), and angiomyolipomas (n = 3). Six patients underwent retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) for paratesticular tumors. Median operating time for the cohort was 2:52 h (IQR 2:04, 4:31). Two thoracic cases required open conversion due to poor visualization and lack of working domain. All patients underwent complete tumor resection; one had tumor spillage from a positive margin (Wilms tumor). Median LOS was 1.5 days (IQR 1.1, 3.0). Postoperatively, one patient developed a chyle leak requiring interventional radiology drainage, but none required a return to the operating room.

CONCLUSIONS

Robotic-assisted surgery is safe and feasible for tumor resection in carefully selected pediatric patients, achieving complete resection with minimal morbidity and short LOS. Resection should be performed by those with robotic expertise for optimal outcomes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

TYPE OF STUDY

Original Clinical Research.

Robotic-Assisted Surgery in Patients Less than 15 kg: A Single Center Review

Introduction: Robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) is an increasingly utilized tool in children. However, utilization of RAS among infants and small children has not been well established. The purpose of this study was to review and characterize RAS procedures for children ≤15 kg. Methods: We performed a single institution retrospective descriptive analysis including all patients ≤15 kg undergoing RAS between January 2013 and July 2021. Data collection included procedure type, age, weight, gender, and surgical complications. Cases were further categorized according to surgical specialty: pediatric urology (PU), pediatric surgery (PS), and multiple specialties (MS). t-Tests were used for statistical analyses. Results: Since 2013, a total of 976 RAS were identified: 492 (50.4%) were performed by PU, 466 (47.8%) by PS, and 18 (1.8%) by MS. One hundred eighteen (12.1%) were performed on children ≤15 kg, consisting of 110 (93.2%) PU cases, 6 (5.1%) PS cases, and 2 (1.7%) MS cases. Procedures were significantly more common in the PU subgroup, mean of 12 cases/year, compared to PS subgroup, mean of 0.63 cases/year, (P < .01). The mean weight of PU patients (10.5 kg) was significantly less than PS patients (13.9 kg) (P < .01). Mean age was also significantly lower among PU patients (18.6 months) compared to PS (34.2 months) (P < .01). Conclusion: RAS among patients ≤15 kg is safe and feasible across pediatric surgical subspecialties. RAS was performed significantly more frequently by pediatric urologists in younger and smaller patients compared to pediatric surgeons. Further refinement of robotic technology and instrumentation should enhance the applicability of these procedures in this young group.

Scarless laparoscopic incisions in Pfannenstiel (slip): the first 50 cases using an innovative approach in pediatric robotic surgery

Incisions in the supra-pubic region have been described robotic-assisted surgery to improve cosmetic results in adults, but seldom in children. We aimed to present an innovative trocar placement in the Pfannenstiel line, named Scarless Laparoscopic Incisions in Pfannenstiel (SLIP), and evaluate its feasibility for various intra-abdominal procedures and its cosmetic results in pediatric robotic surgery. We performed a monocentric prospective study, including children undergoing robotic-assisted surgeries using a SLIP approach (July 2019-September 2021). Data regarding demographics, surgery, and outcome were collected and reported as median (range), or number (percentage). Cosmetic results were evaluated with a questionnaire. A SLIP approach was performed in 50 children (24 cholecystectomies, 12 splenectomies, 2 cholecystectomies and splenectomies, 9 colonic resections, 2 choledochal cyst resections, and 1 pancreatic pseudocyst resection). Median age was 11 years (2-18) and median weight 35 kg (10.5-80). Conversion to laparoscopy occurred in two cases. Post-operative complications occurred in 5 patients (10%), after colectomies [intrabdominal abscess (n = 3), stoma dysfunction (n = 1), parietal abscess (n = 1)], of which 3 (6%) required reintervention (intrabdominal abscess n = 2, stoma dysfunction n = 1). Regarding scars, 68% (n = 28) of parents and patients reported the maximal score of 5/5 for global satisfaction and 63% (n = 26) had all scars hidden by underwear. SLIP approach is versatile and can be used in supra- and infra-mesocolic robotic-assisted procedures. The low complication rate shows its safety in both young children and teenagers and does not increase operative difficulties. It results in high patient satisfaction regarding scars, and a scarless abdomen.

Robotic repair of pediatric hernias: Current techniques and practices

The use of minimally invasive surgical techniques has gained popularity in pediatric surgery due to decreased length of stay, improved post-operative pain and smaller incisions. Laparoscopic assisted robotic surgical procedures are becoming more common in adults as they carry all of the benefits of traditional MIS but also allow for improved dexterity, visualization and surgeon ergonomics. In adults, hernia repairs are one of the most commonly performed robotic cases but adaption to pediatric repairs has been slower. Case reports and small case series have described a number of various types of pediatric hernia repairs including congenital diaphragmatic hernias, paraesophageal hernias and inguinal hernias. These cases have demonstrated that robotic repair of pediatric hernias is safe and feasible with minimal documented post-operative complications or recurrence. Future directions should focus on larger patient volume in order to assess outcomes between traditional laparoscopic and robotic approaches.

Senhance Robotic Platform in Pediatrics: Early US Experience

INTRODUCTION

Different robotic systems have been used widely in human surgery since 2000, but pediatric patients require some features that are lacking in the most frequently used robotic systems.

HYPOTHESIS

The Senhance^® robotic system is a safe and an effective device for use in infants and children that has some advantages over other robotic systems.

METHODS

All patients between 0 and 18 years of age whose surgery was amenable to laparoscopy were offered enrollment in this IRB-approved study. We assessed the feasibility, ease and safety of using this robotic platform in pediatric patients including: set-up time, operative time, conversions, complications and outcomes.

RESULTS

Eight patients, ranging from 4 months to 17 years of age and weighing between 8 and 130 kg underwent a variety of procedures including: cholecystectomy (3), inguinal herniorrhaphy (3), orchidopexy for undescended testes (1) and exploration for a suspected enteric duplication cyst (1). All robotic procedures were successfully performed. The 4-month-old (mo), 8 kg patient underwent an uneventful robotic exploration in an attempt to locate a cyst that was hidden in the mesentery at the junction of the terminal ileum and cecum, but ultimately the patient required an anticipated laparotomy to palpate the cyst definitively and to excise it completely. There was no blood loss and no complications. Robotic manipulation with the reusable 3 mm instruments proved successful in all cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Our initial experience with the Senhance^® robotic platform suggests that this is a safe and effective device for pediatric surgery that is easy to use, and which warrants continued evaluation. Most importantly, there appears to be no lower age or weight restrictions to its use.

Pediatric robotic surgery: issues in management-expert consensus from the Italian Society of Pediatric and Neonatal Anesthesia and Intensive Care (SARNePI) and the Italian Society of Pediatric Surgery (SICP)

BACKGROUND

Pediatric robotic-assisted surgeries have increased in recent years; however, guidance documents are still lacking. This study aimed to develop evidence-based recommendations, or best practice statements when evidence is lacking or inadequate, to assist surgical teams internationally.

METHODS

A joint consensus taskforce of anesthesiologists and surgeons from the Italian Society of Pediatric and Neonatal Anesthesia and Intensive Care (SARNePI) and the Italian Society of Pediatric Surgery (SICP) have identified critical areas and reviewed the available evidence. The taskforce comprised 21 experts representing the fields of anesthesia (n = 11) and surgery (n = 10) from clinical centers performing pediatric robotic surgery in the Italian cities of Ancona, Bologna, Milan, Naples, Padua, Pavia, Perugia, Rome, Siena, and Verona. Between December 2020 and September 2021, three meetings, two Delphi rounds, and a final consensus conference took place.

RESULTS

During the first planning meeting, the panel agreed on the specific objectives, the definitions to apply, and precise methodology. The project was structured into three subtopics: (i) preoperative patient assessment and preparation; (ii) intraoperative management (surgical and anesthesiologic); and (iii) postoperative procedures. Within these phases, the panel agreed to address a total of 18 relevant areas, which spanned preoperative patient assessment and patient selection, anesthesiology, critical care medicine, respiratory care, prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting, and pain management.

CONCLUSION

Collaboration among surgeons and anesthesiologists will be increasingly important for achieving safe and effective RAS procedures. These recommendations will provide a review for those who already have relevant experience and should be particularly useful for those starting a new program.

Robot-Assisted Versus Laparoscopic Approach for Splenectomy in Children: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Aim: To compare the outcomes of pediatric splenectomies for hematologic diseases performed by robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery (RALS) and laparoscopic approach. Materials and Methods: Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed databases were systematically searched for publications in English language from January 2000 to March 2020. All the studies dealing with pediatric elective splenectomies performed by RALS were included. The primary outcomes were the rate of postoperative complications and conversion. The secondary outcomes were the length of hospital stay and the operative time. Results: The search yielded 969 articles. Ten articles were included in the systematic review. Eighty patients underwent RALS splenectomy. Thirteen postoperative complications (16%) were reported and RALS was converted to open surgery in five cases (6.3%). Five of the included articles, three retrospective studies and two case series, were considered relevant for the meta-analysis and dealt with 130 patients. Of them, 71 children (55%) underwent RALS. No difference in the rate of complications was found between the two approaches (P = .235). RALS presented a similar rate of conversion to open surgery (P = .301). The mean operative times and length of hospital stays for RALS, reported in three different studies, were 107.5, 159.6, 140.5 minutes and 4.2, 3.93, 2.1 days, respectively. Conclusion: Even if few studies were included in the review, this meta-analysis reported similar rates of complication and conversion for RALS when compared with laparoscopy. Further studies are required to prove that this innovative technique was as safe and feasible as the current gold standard technique.

Current practice in robotic surgery among pediatric urologists: A survey study

INTRODUCTION

Since its introduction, robotic surgery has gained most traction among urologists. Pediatric urologists have been slower to adopt the technology compared to their adult counterparts. Our objectives were to understand current practice patterns for robotic surgery among pediatric urologists, to identify perceived barriers, and to identify factors associated with the use of robotic surgery.

METHODS

An anonymous online survey was administered using REDCap to members of the Societies for Pediatric Urology (SPU) including questions about provider demographics and personal practice patterns. Comparisons were made using Pearson's Chi-Squared analysis.

RESULTS

Of 351 SPU members surveyed, 95 completed the survey (27%). Fifty-five (58%) reported performing robotic surgery, 40 (42%) reported not performing robotic surgery. Twenty-seven (28%) reported receiving robotic training in residency, 26 (27%) in fellowship, 34 (36%) in a robotics course, and 30 (32%) with proctored surgery. Cited reasons for not performing robotic surgery were lack of training, referring to practice partners, and lack of benefit. Of those performing robotic surgery, most reported performing 0-1 or 2-4 per month. Thirty-one (56%) reported having selection criteria for use of the robot: 26 (47%) cited an age cut-off, 12 (22%) a weight cut-off, and 14 (26%) an abdominal size cut-off. Eighteen (33%) reported using hidden incisions endoscopic surgery (HIdES) approach, and 40 (42%) reported using an assistant port. Factors associated with using the robot included surgeon age, years in practice, practice setting, having robotic training, and having practice partners who perform robotic surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Practice variation exists in the use and application of robotic surgery among pediatric urologists. The main self-reported barriers to performing robotic surgery are lack of training, referring to practice partners, and no perceived benefit to robotic surgery. Factors associated with performing robotic surgery were surgeon age, years in practice, practice setting, and having practice partners perform robotic surgery.

Robot-assisted laparoscopic urologic surgery in infants weighing ≤10 kg: A weight stratified analysis

INTRODUCTION

Robot-assisted laparoscopic (RAL) urologic surgery is widely used in pediatric patients, though less commonly in infants. There are small series demonstrating safety and efficacy in infants, however, stratification by infant size has rarely been reported. Whether a cut-off weight, below which RAL surgery is not technically feasible, safe, or efficacious has not be determined.

OBJECTIVE

To assess safety and efficacy of RAL urologic procedures in infants <1 year of age, weighing ≤10 kg.

STUDY DESIGN

A single-institution retrospective cohort study of patients <1 year of age, and ≤10 kg undergoing RAL pyeloplasty (RALP) or RAL ipsilateral ureteroureterostomy (RALUU) between January 2011 and September 2020 was performed. Demographic, operative, and post-operative data were extracted from the medical record. Patients were stratified by post-hoc weight quartiles. Outcomes, including operative time, total OR time, estimated blood loss (EBL), post-operative length of stay (LOS), post-operative radiographic improvement, and 30-day complications were assessed by weight quartile for each procedure. The Kruskal-Wallis rank test was used to assess differences in continuous outcomes between weight quartiles and Pearson's Chi-squared test was used for categorical outcomes.

RESULTS

Of 696 RAL urologic surgeries performed, 101 met eligibility criteria. Median (IQR) age of patients was 7.2 (6.0-9.2) months with median weight of 8.0 (7.2-8.9) kg. The lowest weight was 5.5 kg. Procedures performed included 79 RALPs (78.2%), 22 RALUUs (21.8%). We identified 97 patients (94%) with post-operative imaging, with radiographic improvement in 92%. When stratified by weight quartile, there was no difference between groups in median operative time, total OR time, LOS, EBL, or post-operative radiographic improvement for both RALP and RALUU. Post-operative complications were assessed based on Clavien-Dindo classification with the majority of complications (9/12, 75%) in the >50th percentile weight groups.

DISCUSSION

To our knowledge, this is the largest published series of infant RAL urologic procedures, with similar rates of radiographic improvement and post-operative complications to prior published series. There are few prior series of RALP and RALUU in infants ≤10 kg, and we show comparable outcomes regardless of patient weight. Our study is limited by the inherent biases of retrospective studies.

CONCLUSION

RAL urologic surgery is technically feasible, safe, and efficacious in infants ≤10 kg, without worse outcomes as weight decrease. A cut-off weight, below which RAL surgery should not be performed has yet to be identified.

An Audit of Robot-Assisted Minimally Invasive Surgeries in Children: Early Experience from a Tertiary Care Center in India

Background: Over the last decade, a significant rise in pediatric robot-assisted minimally invasive surgeries has been observed. Apart from the urological surgeries in children, robot assistance for complex nonurological reconstructions is being explored increasingly. This study highlights our preliminary experience of robot-assisted minimally invasive surgeries in children. Materials and Methods: An ethical waiver was given by the Institute's Ethics Committee in view of the retrospective nature of the study and all procedures being performed as a part of the routine care. A retrospective analysis was done to include all the pediatric robot-assisted surgeries performed at our hospital over a 4-year period (January 2017-January 2021). The surgeries were categorized based on the involved organ system and the total study duration was divided into four 12-month time periods. A comparison of the total number of surgeries done in each time period was also done. A log of the surgeon's console duration for each surgery was also kept. Results: A total of 65 patients, with the majority (50/65; 77%) undergoing reconstructive surgeries for anomalies within the genitourinary system, were included. Almost two-thirds of the total surgeries were technically complex. The number of procedures performed during the four 12-month time periods was 18, 18, 15, and 14. The average (range) surgeon's console time was 95 minutes (45-327 minutes) and showed a progressive improvement with the passage of time. Only 1 patient required conversion to an open approach, and none had major complications during the postoperative period. Conclusion: Our early experience of robot-assisted minimally invasive surgeries in children reaffirms its safety and feasibility in complex reconstructive surgeries. It also highlights the advantages of robot assistance in smaller children with nonurological anomalies.