Minimally Invasive Pediatric Urologic Surgery, An Issue of Urologic Clinics

Book excerpt: Urologists were early adaptors of robotic assisted laparoscopy, and pediatric urology similarly led in incorporating the technology into the surgical armamentarium for treating even the smallest infants. And it is in that tradition that this issue of Urologic Clinics of North America surveys the journey from the earliest pure laparoscopic procedures to the most advanced reconstruction possible today due to evolutions in technology. The issue begins with the procedure that arguably popularized the laparoscopic approach in pediatric urology—the laparoscopic orchiopexy, then posit the continued relevance of pure laparoscopy in the robotic era, before finally surveying contemporary advances in robotic-assisted pediatric urologic surgery. The issue is of relevance not only tor the novice contemplating a transition to laparoscopy or robotics but also for the seasoned minimally invasive surgeon seeking to enhance skills and augment his or her practice.