Pediatric Minimally Invasive Surgery Overview and FAQs
The pediatric urology program at Children’s Health℠, is a national leader in the use of minimally invasive and robotic surgery.
We perform some of the highest number of minimally invasive and robotic surgeries for a pediatric urology program in country. A technique called HIDES, where the already small incisions are hidden below the underwear line, was developed at Children’s Medical Center Dallas.
Expanded Overview
Laparoscopic surgery uses small incisions (less than 1 cm) and telescopes to perform surgeries that previously had been performed with larger incisions.
The benefits generally include smaller scars, less pain, and quicker recovery.
Several minimally invasive surgeries are outpatient surgeries. Even after complex reconstructive surgeries patients are often able to go home after only one night in the hospital.
Robotic surgery is also laparoscopic surgery with smaller incisions, but also with the use of the da Vinci® Surgical System from Intuitive Surgical.
Use of the surgical robot has several advantages including 3D vision, computer enhanced motion control, and increased range of motion that mimics a human wrist and hand.
These advantages of the robot expand the advantages of minimally invasive surgery to more complex reconstructive surgeries such as:
FAQs
Do many places offer robotically assisted surgery for children?
Is robotic surgery safe and effective for children?
Why has Children’s Health pursued robotically assisted surgery for children?
What does insurance cover?
Do parents elect to have this procedure?
Can my child have the IV for surgery once he or she is already asleep?
How big and how many incisions will there be?
Will my child have to take medicine after the surgery?
Will my child have any long-term pain or side effects after surgery?
How will my child feel after the surgery and for how long?
