Pediatric Robotic Surgery 2.0: New Indications and Clinical Research

A special issue of Children (ISSN 2227-9067). This special issue belongs to the section "Pediatric Surgery".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 October 2026 | Viewed by 340

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
1. Department of Pediatric Surgery, Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital, 28040 Madrid, Spain
2. Institute for Health Research IdiPAZ, La Paz University Hospital, 28046 Madrid, Spain
Interests: robotic surgery; experimental surgery; gastrointestinal surgery
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
Department of Pediatric Surgery, Prisma Health Children's Hospital, Columbia, SC 29203, USA
Interests: pediatric surgery; robotic-assisted pediatric surgery

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Guest Editor
1. Department of Pediatric Surgery, Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital, 28040 Madrid, Spain
2. Institute for Health Research IdiPAZ, La Paz University Hospital, 28046 Madrid, Spain
Interests: paediatric transplantation; hepatobiliary surgery; liver transplantation; multivisceral transplantation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Over the past two decades, robotic surgery has progressively transformed the landscape of pediatric surgery, marking a significant milestone since its initial introduction in children. Advances in surgical technology, including the development of new robotic platforms, enhanced instrumentation and improved imaging systems, have expanded the applicability of robotic-assisted procedures in the pediatric population. Despite these achievements, further research is still required to better define indications, optimize outcomes and evaluate long-term benefits.

Pediatric robotic surgery now encompasses a wide spectrum of procedures across multiple subspecialties, including gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary, urological and thoracic surgery. While minimally invasive laparoscopy remains the standard approach in many centers, robotic-assisted surgery is increasingly being adopted due to its potential advantages in precision, dexterity and ergonomics. Moreover, the introduction of new commercially available robotic systems is expected to further accelerate its integration into clinical practice.

This Special Issue aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state and future directions of robotic surgery in pediatric patients. We particularly welcome contributions addressing emerging indications, comparative effectiveness with conventional minimally invasive techniques and innovations in robotic platforms and technologies. Additionally, special emphasis will be placed on long-term outcomes, cost-effectiveness, learning curves and the safe implementation of robotic surgery in children.

By bringing together cutting-edge research and expert perspectives, this Special Issue seeks to reflect on two decades of progress while identifying the challenges and opportunities that will shape the next generation of pediatric robotic surgery.

Dr. Carlos Delgado-Miguel
Dr. Juan I. Camps
Dr. Francisco Hernández Oliveros
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • robotic-assisted surgery
  • robotic surgery
  • children
  • pediatrics

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

9 pages, 188 KB  
Article
Pediatric Robotic Surgery in Romania: Review of the First 71 Cases Using the da Vinci Platform
by Vlad-Laurentiu David, Maria-Corina Stanciulescu, Emil-Radu Iacob and Calin-Marius Popoiu
Children 2026, 13(6), 738; https://doi.org/10.3390/children13060738 - 26 May 2026
Viewed by 194
Abstract
Background: Robotic-assisted surgery has increasingly been adopted in pediatric surgical practice; however, data from early implementation stages remain limited. Materials and methods: We conducted a prospective audit of the first 71 pediatric robotic-assisted procedures performed over a 24-month period using the da Vinci [...] Read more.
Background: Robotic-assisted surgery has increasingly been adopted in pediatric surgical practice; however, data from early implementation stages remain limited. Materials and methods: We conducted a prospective audit of the first 71 pediatric robotic-assisted procedures performed over a 24-month period using the da Vinci Xi platform in a tertiary pediatric center. Patient characteristics, surgical indications, perioperative parameters, and postoperative outcomes were analyzed. Results: A total of 71 procedures were performed in 71 patients (39 girls, 32 boys; mean age 4.46 years). The most frequent procedures were cholecystectomy (n = 19), ovarian tumor excision (n = 14), and pyeloplasty (n = 13). Mean operative time was 90 ± 65.30 min. Intraoperative complications occurred in 9.9% of cases, conversion to open surgery in 2.8%, and postoperative complications in 2.8%. Trocar insertion time and docking time improved significantly during the second year (p < 0.05). No mortality or long-term complications were recorded. Conclusions: Robotic-assisted pediatric surgery is feasible and safe, with acceptable complication rates and favorable early outcomes. Progressive improvement in operative setup parameters reflects a measurable learning curve. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pediatric Robotic Surgery 2.0: New Indications and Clinical Research)
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