The Robotic Surgery for Pediatric Surgeons: Program Development and Beyond programme was presented by the Center for Robotic Surgery at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. The programme is designed for pediatric surgeons and other surgical professionals seeking to understand the clinical applications, implementation, training requirements, and programme development considerations associated with robotic surgery in pediatric patients.

The educational programme combines clinical case presentations, evidence-based discussions, programme development strategies, and practical robotic surgery education to provide a comprehensive overview of robotic-assisted surgery in pediatric practice.

---

Programme Information

Date: September 20–22, 2023
Location: Nationwide Children’s Hospital Conference Center, Columbus, Ohio

The programme focuses on the development of pediatric robotic surgery programmes, common clinical applications, clinical case discussions, and practical education designed to introduce robotic surgery concepts to practicing pediatric surgeons.

---

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of the programme, participants will be able to:

Clinical Applications

• Identify pediatric clinical scenarios that may be appropriate for robotic-assisted surgery.
• Evaluate the potential applications of robotic technology across different pediatric surgical specialties.
• Understand modifications to surgical techniques required for pediatric patients.
• Consider patient safety and technical factors when applying robotic technology to a vulnerable patient population.

Programme Development

• Understand the key components required to develop a pediatric robotic surgery programme.
• Review institutional requirements and organisational support.
• Evaluate personnel training and operating room requirements.
• Understand credentialing and competency considerations.
• Review quality control and programme management principles.

Evidence and Outcomes

• Review contemporary literature relating to robotic-assisted pediatric surgery.
• Examine available clinical outcomes associated with robotic-assisted pediatric general and thoracic surgery.
• Consider evidence-based approaches when evaluating robotic surgery applications in pediatric practice.

---

Programme Topics

1. Abdominal Wall and Inguinal Surgery

Abdominal Wall and Inguinal Hernia Repair

This section examines robotic approaches to abdominal wall and inguinal hernia repair, including relevant technical considerations and the application of robotic technology in pediatric patients.

---

2. Foregut Surgery

Clinical Case Presentation: Foregut Surgery

The foregut surgery section explores clinical cases and considerations for applying robotic techniques to pediatric foregut procedures.

Included materials:

• Clinical case presentation
• Supporting educational presentation

---

3. Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery

Clinical Case Presentation: Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery

This section reviews the potential role of robotic surgery in hepatobiliary and pancreatic procedures, with an emphasis on clinical case evaluation and operative considerations.

Included materials:

• Clinical case presentation
• Supporting educational presentation

---

4. Obesity Surgery

Clinical Case Presentation: Obesity Surgery

This topic addresses robotic surgery within pediatric and adolescent obesity-related surgical care, including clinical case considerations and potential applications of robotic technology.

Included materials:

• Clinical case presentation
• Supporting educational presentation

---

5. Thoracic Surgery

Clinical Case Presentation: Thoracic Surgery

This section examines robotic-assisted approaches in pediatric thoracic surgery and reviews clinical scenarios where robotic technology may be considered.

Included materials:

• Clinical case presentation
• Supporting educational presentation

---

6. Robotics in the Pediatric Patient

Considerations for Robotics in the Pediatric Patient

A dedicated overview of the unique considerations associated with robotic surgery in children, including:

• Patient selection
• Technical considerations
• Modification of surgical techniques
• Safety considerations
• Pediatric anatomy
• Robotic technology limitations and opportunities
• Clinical decision-making

---

7. Genitourinary Surgery

GU for the General Surgeon

This section introduces genitourinary applications of robotic surgery relevant to pediatric general surgeons and explores how robotic techniques can be incorporated into appropriate clinical cases.

Included materials:

• Educational presentation
• Supporting reference material

---

8. Gynecology, Complex Pelvic and Anorectal Surgery

GYN, Complex Pelvic and Anorectal

This topic covers robotic applications involving complex pelvic, gynecological, and anorectal conditions, with consideration of the technical and clinical challenges associated with these procedures.

Included materials:

• Educational presentation
• Supporting reference material

---

Robotic Surgery Programme Development

9. Institutional Support

Institutional Support

Successful implementation of a pediatric robotic surgery programme requires coordinated institutional planning and support.

This section addresses considerations such as:

• Institutional commitment
• Programme infrastructure
• Resource allocation
• Multidisciplinary collaboration
• Administrative support
• Programme sustainability

---

10. Training and Credentialing

Program Development: Training and Credentialing

This section examines the professional and organisational requirements for establishing a safe and effective robotic surgery programme.

Key areas include:

• Robotic surgery training
• Surgeon education
• Competency development
• Credentialing
• Institutional requirements
• Ongoing professional development
• Quality and safety considerations

---

11. Operating Room Setup, Efficiency and Personnel

Room Setup, Efficiency and Personnel

Effective robotic surgery requires careful planning of the operating room environment and coordination among the surgical team.

This section explores:

• Operating room setup
• Robotic equipment positioning
• Workflow optimisation
• Personnel requirements
• Team coordination
• Operating room efficiency
• Preparation for robotic procedures

---

Comprehensive Pediatric Robotic Surgery Education

The Nationwide Children’s Robotic Surgery for Pediatric Surgeons: Program Development and Beyond programme provides a structured educational resource covering both the clinical and organisational aspects of pediatric robotic surgery.

From abdominal wall and foregut procedures to hepatobiliary, pancreatic, thoracic, genitourinary, gynecological, pelvic, and anorectal applications, the programme provides a broad overview of where robotic technology may be incorporated into pediatric surgical practice.

In addition to clinical applications, the programme addresses the practical requirements for developing a sustainable robotic surgery service, including institutional support, surgeon training, credentialing, personnel, operating room efficiency, quality control, patient safety, and evidence-based clinical decision-making.

The combination of clinical cases, programme development content, supporting educational materials, and practical learning provides a valuable resource for pediatric surgeons and healthcare professionals interested in the current and future role of robotic technology in pediatric surgery.