Robotic-Assisted Surgery and Artificial Intelligence in Pediatric Surgery
摘要
Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has become the gold standard for many surgical procedures, offering benefits such as reduced tissue trauma, faster recovery, and improved cosmetic outcomes, especially in pediatric patients. Robotic-assisted surgery (RAS), introduced over two decades ago, has further enhanced MIS by improving precision, dexterity, and visualization. Despite its widespread adoption in adult surgery, the use of RAS in pediatric surgery has been limited by the lack of appropriately sized instruments, high costs, and the absence of haptic feedback. However, recent advancements such as the development of miniaturized instruments, improved ergonomic designs, and integration of artificial intelligence (AI) are gradually overcoming these challenges. Newer robotic platforms like the Senhance, Versius, and Hugo RAS systems provide features such as smaller instrument sizes, haptic feedback, and enhanced surgeon ergonomics, making them more suitable for pediatric applications. AI is further transforming surgery by aiding in preoperative planning, enhancing intraoperative navigation, and predicting postoperative outcomes. In pediatric surgery, AI improves imaging, decision support, surgical training, and risk prediction, though limitations persist due to the scarcity of pediatric-specific data and ethical considerations. Despite the technological progress, financial barriers, steep learning curves, and limited availability of pediatric-adapted robotic systems continue to challenge widespread RAS adoption. Future directions involve developing cost-effective robotic solutions, expanding pediatric-specific AI datasets, and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations to optimize patient care. Overall, the integration of RAS and AI holds great promise in revolutionizing pediatric surgery, improving precision, safety, and outcomes. Continued innovation and strategic efforts to address existing barriers are essential for making these technologies more accessible and beneficial for pediatric patients worldwide.