Initiation of a pediatric robotic surgery program: institutional challenges and realistic outcomes

Abstract

Robotic surgery appears to be safe in pediatric patients for many procedures. Proper instruction and training precedes technological proficiency. The institutional learning curve may be magnified when there are multiple participating surgeons. Operative times for initial RAL cases can be expected to be greater than their open correlates.

Setting up a pediatric robotic urology program: A USA institution experience

“…In reporting their experience from a large‐volume pediatric urology tertiary care center, Sorensen et al . were able to carry out 42 cases during the initial 20 months after initiating their robotic program, with an average of 2.1 cases per month . We encountered a similar case volume of 50 over the first 24 months (Fig.…”

Implementation of a TORS program in an academic medical center

“…The steps required for the introduction of a new procedure or emerging technology include its objective assessment using evidence‐based information, offering methodical education for surgeons to acquire the requisite knowledge and skills, monitoring of safety and outcomes, credentialing and privileging of surgeons and educating patients 18. Although the intricate complexities of this process are beyond the scope of this article, it is acknowledged that the introduction of novel technology often requires a period of reorientation 19. Early surgical performance will vary until maximum efficiency is reached and a new steady‐state is established.…”

Update on the Minimally Invasive Approach in Paediatric Urology: Remote Help for Human Hands?

“…Building a team that will be familiar with MIS in children is of paramount importance and will improve the operative time, the patient outcome, and the comfort of the team itself [30].…”