Paediatric Robotic Urology

Apollo Children's Hospitals announced the launch of its Centre of Excellence in Paediatric Robotic Urology, marking the successful completion of more than 400 paediatric robotic procedures. Established in 2012 under the leadership of Dr. V. Sripathi, Senior Consultant Paediatric Urologist and Robotic Surgeon, the programme has grown into one of India's pioneering and South India's first dedicated paediatric robotic urology initiatives, setting new benchmarks in clinical excellence, innovation, and patient outcomes. Over the past fourteen years, the programme has become a leading referral centre for complex paediatric robotic urological procedures, providing advanced minimally invasive surgical care to children from across India and neighbouring countries. This sustained track record of clinical excellence, innovation, and patient outcomes now underpins its formal recognition as a Centre of Excellence in Paediatric Robotic Urology, reaffirming Apollo Children's Hospitals' commitment to advancing specialisedpaediatric surgical care. Since its inception, the programme has successfully treated children across all age groups. Approximately 50 percent of patients were under five years of age, while 10 percent were infantsunder one year. Demonstrating the precision and safety of robotic-assisted surgery even in the youngest patients, the smallest child successfully treated was just 50 days old and weighed only 3.5 kilograms. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. V. Sripathi, Senior Consultant Paediatric Urologist and Robotic Surgeon, Apollo Children's Hospitals, Chennai, said:"Completing more than 400 paediatric robotic surgeries is a significant milestone that reflects both clinical excellence and the trust families place in us. Robotic surgery enables us to perform complex procedures with greater precision, less pain, and faster recovery. At Apollo Children's Hospitals, patient safety is our highest priority, with our paediatric urology team, anaesthetists, nurses, operation theatre staff, and biomedical engineers working together to ensure the safest possible care for every child. Through this Centre of Excellence, we will continue to advance paediatric robotic surgery and expand access to world-class care." Robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery provides surgeons with a high-definition, three-dimensional magnified view and wristed instruments that replicate the movement of the human hand with remarkable precision. This enables meticulous dissection and reconstruction while preserving healthy surrounding tissues, making it particularly valuable for delicate paediatric urological procedures. During complex kidney reconstruction, surgeons can operate without disturbing the intestines, significantly reducing surgical trauma. Compared with conventional open surgery, robotic-assisted procedures offer several advantages, including smaller incisions, reduced postoperative pain, faster recovery, shorter hospital stays, and superior cosmetic outcomes with minimal scarring. Babies are often able to begin feeding within just two hours after a renal procedure, while most patients are discharged within 24 to 48 hours, enabling children to recover sooner and families to return home more quickly. Commenting on the launch, Ms. Sindoori Reddy, Director- Strategy, Apollo Hospitals, said: "The launch of this Centre of Excellence marks the next phase in Apollo's journey to advance paediatric care using robotics and precision Al. The impact of these technologies translates to smaller incisions, less pain and quicker recovery for the child. This milestone reinforces Apollo's commitment to accelerate the adoption of advanced minimally invasive surgery, expand access to world-class care, and help shape the future of paediatric urological care across India and beyond." The Centre of Excellence was inaugurated in the presence of Dr. Ilankumaran Kaliamoorthy, Chief Executive Officer, Apollo Hospitals, Chennai Region, and Dr. Sushila Narayanasamy, Unit Head, Apollo Women's & Children's Hospitals, Chennai. This launch reinforces Apollo Children's Hospitals' commitment to advancing children's healthcare through innovation, research, education, and clinical excellence. Building on more than a decade of pioneering expertise, the Centre will continue to expand access to advanced minimally invasive surgery while delivering safer procedures, faster recovery, and better outcomes for children and their families.