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Small Scale, High Precision: Robotic Surgery in Neonatal and Pediatric Patients-A Narrative Review
Emil Radu Iacob1, Roxana Iacob2,3,4, Laura Andreea Ghenciu5
1Department of Pediatric Surgery, 'Victor Babes' University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania.
Insights
Robotic-assisted surgery offers enhanced precision and faster recovery for pediatric patients, despite challenges like cost and training. Ongoing research promises improved outcomes in delicate neonatal and pediatric surgical procedures.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Surgical Robotics
Background:
- Robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) is increasingly adopted in pediatric and neonatal care.
- This technology offers potential benefits for delicate surgical procedures in young patients.
- Understanding its evolution, advantages, and limitations is crucial for surgical practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evolution and implications of RAS in pediatric and neonatal surgery.
- To identify diseases amenable to this innovative surgical approach.
- To analyze the advantages, drawbacks, and future potential of RAS in pediatric care.
Main Methods:
- A narrative review adhering to PRISMA guidelines.
- Selection of 56 relevant articles published within the last five years.
- Focus on advancements, benefits, and challenges in pediatric RAS.
Main Results:
- RAS demonstrates enhanced precision, reduced trauma, and expedited recovery in pediatric patients.
- Key benefits include minimized scarring and improved outcomes for delicate procedures.
- Challenges include cost, specialized training, and instrument design, with ongoing refinements.
Conclusions:
- Robotic-assisted surgery holds transformative potential for pediatric surgical care.
- Despite current challenges, advancements promise enhanced precision and tailored treatments.
- Psychological and musculoskeletal considerations for patients and surgeons are important.
Abstract:
This narrative review explores the evolution and implications of robotic-assisted surgery in pediatric and neonatal cases, focusing on its advantages, drawbacks, and the specific diseases amenable to this innovative technology. Following PRISMA guidelines, 56 relevant articles from the past five years were selected, emphasizing advancements in precision, reduced trauma, and expedited recovery times for pediatric patients. Despite challenges like cost and training, ongoing research shapes pediatric robotic-assisted surgery, promising improved outcomes. The technology's benefits include enhanced precision, minimized scarring, and faster recovery, addressing the challenges in delicate pediatric procedures. Challenges encompass cost, training, and instrument design, but ongoing refinements aim to overcome these. This review underscores psychological and musculoskeletal considerations for patients and surgeons. While acknowledging limitations and preferred pathologies, this review outlines the transformative potential of robotic-assisted surgery in reshaping pediatric surgical care. This comprehensive assessment concludes that, despite challenges, ongoing advancements promise a future of enhanced precision and tailored care in pediatric surgery.
