First Pediatric Robotic Surgery In Telangana For Urological Condition

A 17-month-old child diagnosed with PUJ obstruction at birth, successfully treated with Robotic Pyeloplasty Surgery at Citizens Hospital Hyderabad.

Hyderabad, March 3, 2021 – A 17-month-old who was suffering from a congenital condition, Pelvic Ureteric Junction (PUJ) Obstruction (blockage in the tube connecting the 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. The surgery was conducted by renowned surgeon Dr. Mallikarjuna Reddy who is currently heading Urology Department that has a dedicated pediatric ward at Citizens Specialty Hospital.

Young child who hailed from Nellore, a district in Andhra Pradesh was diagnosed with the PUJ obstruction even before the 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 therefore, had to be removed surgically to remove the blockage. The family agreed to go ahead with the robot-assisted surgery which was performed with the latest Da Vinci X Robotic System at Citizens Specialty Hospital. The world class, minimally invasive surgery allows the surgeon to repair the blockage without having to put their hands inside the abdomen.

“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%,” sais Dr. Mallikarjuna Reddy, Senior Consultant, Urology at Citizens Specialty Hospital, Hyderabad.

With technical advancements, including improved instruments and high-definition cameras, Robotic surgery in pediatric urology has gained 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.

“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, decrease in blood loss 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.

Apart from urology, Citizens Hospital specializes in performing minimally invasive robot-assisted surgeries across specialities such as gastroenterology, gynecology, hepatology, oncology, etc.