How Robotic Surgery Helped a Child Recover in Just 48 Hours
By Dr. Prabhu Karunakaran
Consultant Pediatric Urologist & Robotic Surgeon, Hyderabad
You can see it for yourself in this short video clip:
This case reminded me why robotic-assisted surgery is transforming pediatric care.
A Child’s Journey from Surgery to playfield — in Just 2 Days
In late June 2025, we operated on a bright and active 16 month-old child from Hyderabad. The child had a condition that required surgical correction — something that would usually involve large incisions, days of hospital stay, and a slow, painful recovery. But this story was different. We performed the surgery using a robotic platform. And within just 48 hours, the child was not only back home but also walking, eating well, and — to everyone’s delight — back to playing.
What Makes Robotic Surgery Different?
Robotic surgery in children isn’t about flashy technology — it’s about delivering safe, precise, and gentle treatment for the most delicate patients.
Using the da Vinci surgical system, we work with: Magnified 3D vision
Tremor-free precision instruments
Tiny incisions (keyholes)
This allows us to operate with a level of control and finesse that traditional techniques simply can’t offer — especially important in small children where every millimeter counts.
Traditional vs. Robotic Surgery: A Quick Comparison
| Feature | Traditional Surgery | Robotic Surgery |
|---|---|---|
|
Incision Size |
Large |
Tiny (keyholes) |
|
Hospital Stay |
4–7 days |
1–2 days |
|
Pain |
Moderate to High |
Minimal |
|
Recovery Time |
2 weeks |
48 hours |
|
Cosmetic Outcome |
Visible Scars |
Barely Noticeable |
|
Return to Activity |
Delayed |
Early |
Real-Life Results: What Happened in This Case?
In the case we performed in June:
Surgery was completed smoothly with no complications
Child started oral feeds within 4 hours
Began walking by Day 1
Discharged on Day 2
No large wounds, minimal dressings, and a quick return to play
Why This Matters for Parents
When your child needs surgery, the experience can be overwhelming. The pain, the long hospital stay, the scars — it’s a lot to handle emotionally.
But robotic surgery offers:
Quicker return to normalcy
Less trauma (physical and emotional)
Shorter hospital stays
Better long-term outcomes
Smaller scars and less pain
It’s not just about medical success — it’s about restoring your child’s comfort, confidence, and happiness as soon as possible.
From the Surgeon’s Desk
As a trained pediatric urologist and robotic surgeon, I’ve seen the benefits of this approach firsthand — and not just in this recent case.
Time and again, robotic-assisted surgery helps us manage complex urological issues in children with unmatched safety, precision, and recovery speed.
And for children, every single day matters. The sooner they heal, the quicker they return to the things they love.
Not all cases require robotics — but when it’s the right option, it truly transforms the surgical journey for both child and parent.
To Consult or Learn More
If your child has been advised surgery for kidney, ureteric, or bladder conditions, feel free to reach out and explore whether robotic surgery is the right option.
Dr. Prabhu Karunakaran
Consultant Pediatric Urologist & Robotic Surgeon
Consultant at : Apollo Jublihills, Citizens, Little Star & SHE, and Lotus Hospitals, Hyderabad
📧 Email: pediatricurologistofhyderabad@gmail.com
📞 Phone: +91 8500550328
