Advancing Pediatric Surgical Care Through Robotic-Assisted Innovation

Children’s Mercy Kansas recently expanded its pediatric surgical capabilities with the launch of robotic-assisted surgery, marking an important step forward in minimally invasive care for children. The program’s first procedure—a robotic-assisted pyeloplasty to treat ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction—was successfully performed by pediatric urologist Gino Vricella, MD, helping restore normal urinary drainage from the kidney. The operation was completed faster than the national average, demonstrating the efficiency and precision offered by robotic technology.

The da Vinci surgical platform provides enhanced visualization, dexterity and control, enabling complex reconstructive procedures to be performed through smaller incisions. For patients, this can mean less postoperative pain, shorter hospital stays and a faster recovery. Most patients treated through the new program have returned home within 24 hours of surgery. 

Children’s Mercy recruited Gino Vricella, MD in 2023 to help establish the robotics program. With experience performing more than 264 robotic procedures, Dr. Vricella is among the nation’s leading pediatric robotic surgeons. The addition of robotic-assisted surgery allows families across the region to access advanced pediatric surgical expertise closer to home, eliminating the need to travel to distant centers for specialized care. 

The robotics initiative is the result of extensive multidisciplinary collaboration among surgical, nursing, operational, IT and clinical teams, all focused on delivering safe, high-quality care. The program has already completed multiple robotic-assisted procedures and plans are underway to expand robotic capabilities to additional specialties, including colorectal, transplant and general surgery. A second robotic system is expected to be added at the Adele Hall Campus, further increasing access to advanced minimally invasive surgical care.

As Children’s Mercy continues to grow its robotic surgery program, referring providers can feel confident that patients have access to innovative surgical options designed specifically for children, backed by an experienced multidisciplinary team and a commitment to improving outcomes and the patient experience.