17-month-old child’s life saved by latest robotic system 

Hyderabad:  A 17-month-old who was suffering from Pelvic Ureteric Junction (PUJ) Obstruction (blockage in the tube connecting urinary bladder and kidney) was operated in Citizens Specialty Hospital, Hyderabad. 

This is the first time that a child of this tender age has successfully undergone Robotic surgery in both Telugu states. For the past 20 years Dr. Mallikarjuna Reddy has been in the forefront of pediatric urology and currently heading a dedicated Pediatric Urology Department at Citizens Specialty Hospital. 

Hailing from a small town of Vellor, the child was diagnosed before birth (during antenatal check-up) and has been undergoing follow-up since birth under the care of Dr. Mallikarjuna. The obstruction increased in size, over time, and surgery was the best way to remove the blockage. The family opted for the procedure under the latest Robotic da Vinci X System at Citizens Specialty Hospital, which allows the surgeon to repair the blockage without having to place his or her hands in the abdomen. 

With technical advances, including improved instruments and high-definition cameras, Robotic surgery in pediatric urology has been gaining popularity since its inception. It is safe and effective, with results comparable to open procedures and has created a new standard of treatment for PUJ obstruction. 

“We have performed robotic pyeloplasty on a 17-month-old child who was diagnosed with PUJ obstruction at birth. Robotic Surgery with its magnification and precision gave a minimal invasive advantage to the child. The Surgery results are to a tune of 98-100%”, says Dr. Mallikarjuna Reddy, Senior Consultant, Urology at Citizens Specialty Hospital, Hyderabad. 

“At Citizens Specialty Hospital, we have a dedicated team for pediatric robotic surgery. The latest da Vinci X enables surgeons to perform complex operations with special access to the area that is being operated with the most advanced instruments,” he added.  

Other Urologic Surgeries which can be performed using robotic system includes Ureteric Reimplantation for Vesicouretric Reflux, Bladder Neck Repair, and Mitrofanoff procedure for urinary incontinence. This minimal access method results in less post-operative pain, a decrease in the loss of blood, and a quicker path to recovery.  

As pediatric urology has more reconstructive procedures, it is best to get the Surgery done robotically, giving the child the advantage of precision and minimal invasiveness with less pain and good cosmesis advantage.