Robotic surgery in infants and children: an argument for smaller and fewer incisions

Purpose Robotic-assisted laparoscopic (RAL) surgery has gained momentum in pediatric urology. Technological adaptations such as the development of 5 mm instruments have led to robotic procedures being performed on younger children and those having smaller body habitus, with improved cosmesis. However, concerns have been raised regarding decreased intra-abdominal working space and the absence of monopolar curved scissors (hot endoshears®) when using 5 mm instruments. The aim of this study is to examine the overall experience at a single pediatric urology center using 5 mm instruments with no planned additional assistant ports during common robotic procedures. We hypothesized this approach is safe and feasible for a variety of pediatric urologic reconstructive procedures.