Vall d’Hebron performs Europe’s first single-incision pediatric surgery with robot

In a remarkable advancement in pediatric surgery, specialists at Vall d’Hebron Hospital in Barcelona have successfully performed Europe’s first pediatric operation using a robotic system that operates through a single incision. The procedure involved the removal of a non-functioning kidney and its ureter from a 12-year-old boy named Ilias, who was discharged just two days post-surgery.

Revolutionary technology enhances surgical precision

The innovative robotic system, known as the Shurui Single Port, developed by Surgerii Robotics from China, employs a unique design featuring one arm that accesses the body through only one incision. This method allows for greater maneuverability within the abdominal cavity while minimizing physical stress on both the patient and the surgeon.

“After performing around 200 robotic surgeries on children over 16 years, we are excited about this unipolar system,” said Marino Asensio, head of pediatric surgery at Vall d’Hebron.

This pioneering surgery marks another milestone for Vall d’Hebron, which previously conducted its first robotic pediatric surgery sixteen years ago to treat ovarian cancer in a young girl. The hospital is now poised to expand its capabilities with this latest technology.

Benefits of single-incision surgeries

The Shurui SP system offers numerous advantages over traditional multi-arm robotic systems that require multiple incisions. Patients benefit from reduced bleeding, fewer complications, less postoperative pain, shorter hospital stays, and improved cosmetic outcomes due to smaller incisions.

Asensio noted that the new technology not only decreases surgical trauma but also facilitates quicker recoveries. “With just one insertion point, we can navigate throughout the cavity more easily,” he explained.

Future developments in surgical robotics

Since Ilias’s operation earlier this month, three additional surgeries have been performed using the Shurui SP system at Vall d’Hebron. The initial procedure involved making a small incision of just 2.5 centimeters near the belly button to remove the infected kidney and ureter affected by multiple stones.

“Surgerii Robotics has promised to reduce instrument sizes to 6 millimeters next year,” Asensio added. “We could be looking at incisions of less than 2 centimeters.”

A collaborative future in healthcare innovation

The introduction of the Shurui SP marks it as Vall d’Hebron’s fourth robotic unit and is expected to increase their annual count of robotic surgeries significantly from approximately 1,000 to an estimated additional 250 procedures per year. Kai Xu, CEO of Surgerii Robotics expressed optimism about their partnership with Vall d’Hebron: “Today marks the beginning of a long-term collaboration.”

This collaboration aligns with broader European Union initiatives aimed at developing disruptive digital solutions for complex congenital conditions through programs like Step. One exciting aspect includes integrating digital twins into surgical planning—virtual replicas of patient organs that allow surgeons to simulate scenarios before actual operations.

“This is an incredibly important innovation in surgical technology,” stated Albert Salazar, manager of Vall d’Hebron.

The successful implementation of such advanced technologies not only enhances surgical outcomes but also sets new standards for pediatric care across Europe. As these innovations continue to evolve and gain traction among hospitals worldwide, they hold promise for transforming how complex surgeries are approached—ultimately benefiting countless young patients like Ilias who deserve cutting-edge medical care.