Apollo Children’s Hospitals has launched its Centre of Excellence in Paediatric Robotic Urology, marking the successful completion of more than 400 robotic surgeries in children. The milestone reflects over a decade of pioneering work in minimally invasive paediatric surgery and strengthens the hospital’s position as one of India’s leading centres for advanced paediatric urological care.

The Centre of Excellence was inaugurated by Ms. Sindoori Reddy, Director- Strategy, Apollo Hospitals in the presence of in the presence of Dr. Ilankumaran Kaliamoorthy, Chief Executive Officer, Apollo Hospitals, Chennai Region, Dr. Anil BG, DMS,  Cluster 1, Apollo Hospitals Chennai and Dr. Sushila Narayanasamy, Unit Head, Apollo Women’s & Children’s Hospitals, Chennai.

The robotic surgery programme was established in 2012 under the leadership of Dr. V. Sripathi, Senior Consultant Paediatric Urologist and Robotic Surgeon. Over the past 14 years, it has evolved into South India’s first dedicated paediatric robotic urology programme, treating children from across India as well as neighbouring countries with complex urological conditions.

The programme has cared for children across all age groups, including many very young patients. Nearly half of the 400 children treated were below five years of age, while around 10 percent were infants younger than one year. One of the most remarkable cases involved a baby who was just 50 days old and weighed only 3.5 kg, highlighting the precision and safety that robotic technology offers even in highly delicate procedures.

The advanced robotic technology at Apollo Children’s Hospitals enables surgeons to perform complex paediatric reconstructive procedures with exceptional precision. This results in smaller incisions, less pain, faster recovery and improved outcomes for children. These achievements are made possible through the coordinated efforts of paediatric urologists, anaesthetists, nurses, operating theatre staff and biomedical engineers, whose collective expertise ensures the highest standards of safety and quality care for every child.

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 allows surgeons to perform intricate reconstruction with greater accuracy while protecting surrounding healthy tissues.  During complex kidney reconstruction, the approach also avoids disturbing the intestines, reducing surgical trauma and improving recovery.

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.

The new Centre of Excellence will focus on expanding access to advanced robotic surgery, strengthening clinical expertise, promoting research and training, and driving innovation in paediatric urology. Building on its extensive experience, Apollo Children’s Hospitals aims to further improve surgical outcomes while offering children and their families access to safe, precise and world class care closer to home.