Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Now Offering Robotic Single-Site Surgery for Children

Published on: 7/12/2016

MIAMI—Nicklaus Children’s is among the first pediatric facilities in the region to offer robotic single-site incision surgery for children utilizing the da Vinci Xi® system. The technique offers a single incision minimally invasive surgical option for gallbladder or ovarian surgeries in children.

A fifteen-year-old girl was the first patient at Nicklaus Children’s to undergo robotic single-site incision surgery in June of this year when she had to have her gallbladder removed by Dr. Fuad Alkhoury, pediatric surgeon on the medical staff at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. Utilizing the da Vinci Xi robot, the surgery was performed through a small incision hidden within the patient’s navel to remove the organ.

“This surgical option is a step forward in the ongoing effort to provide the latest and most advanced treatment to children in our care,” said Dr. Fuad Alkhoury.

Compared to conventional laparoscopic gallbladder surgery, the robot enhances a surgeon’s ability to reach the targeted area and improves precision. The benefits for the patient can include less scarring, shorter recovery and less probability for infection.

“Robotic single-site incision is already opening the doors for better surgical options and techniques for the pediatric population.” said Dr. Alkhoury.

For more information on the Department of Pediatric Surgery at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, please visit www.nicklauschildrens.org.

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