The new generation of surgical robots are particularly suited to the complex reconstructive surgery undertaken in childhood where the structures are smaller and precision is paramount. Paediatric surgery encompasses the entire range of surgeries offered in adulthood (e.g. urology, colorectal, gynaecology and thoracic surgery) and surgeons are increasingly subspecialising to increase expertise and outcomes for specific conditions.
Until recently the cost of robotic surgery has severely limited robotic surgery uptake in paediatric surgery in the UK. However the entry of new competitors into the market has led to big costs reduction and opens up a wide range of reconstructive surgeries in children.
Centres in the United States have been able to increase the percentage of complex reconstructive surgery performed minimally invasively using robotic surgery.