Single-Site Laparoscopy and Robotic Surgery in Pediatric Urology

In this review, we summarize research that has evaluated the role of laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) and robotic surgery in pediatric urology, highlighting new and/or controversial ideas.

The newest research developments over the last several years are studies that address generalizability of these techniques, ideal patient factors, extrapolation to more complex surgeries, and comparative studies to more traditional techniques to define the associated costs and benefits, as well as patient-centered outcomes. Specifically in the field of LESS, addressing the limitations of suboptimal vision, instrument crowding, and loss of triangulation have been a focus. The literature is now replete with new applications for robotic surgery as well as descriptions of the specific technical challenges inherent to pediatrics. Robotic surgery and LESS are areas of growth in pediatric urology that allow continual innovation and expansion of technology within a surgeon's armamentarium.