R ARIVANANTHAM
CHENNAI, JULY 8
Can a baby barely 50 days old safely undergo robotic surgery? At Apollo Children’s Hospitals, the answer is a resounding yes.
In a remarkable milestone that showcases how technology is transforming children’s healthcare, Apollo Children’s Hospitals has launched South India’s first dedicated Centre of Excellence in Paediatric Robotic Urology, celebrating the successful completion of more than 400 robot-assisted surgeries on children—including the youngest patient, a 50-day-old infant weighing just 3.5 kilograms.
- Hospital achieves extraordinary milestone with robot-assisted procedures on infants and children, including a 50-day-old baby weighing just 3.5 kg
- India’s pioneering paediatric robotic surgery programme transforms complex urological care with greater precision, less pain and faster recovery
- Nearly half the young patients were below five years, reaffirming the safety and effectiveness of advanced robotic surgery even in the smallest children
- Centre of Excellence positions Chennai as a regional destination for cutting-edge paediatric robotic surgery, attracting patients from India and neighbouring countries
- Apollo says milestone strengthens its commitment to redefining children’s healthcare through robotics, innovation and precision medicine
The landmark achievement marks the evolution of one of India’s earliest paediatric robotic surgery programmes, established in 2012 under the leadership of Dr. V. Sripathi, Senior Consultant Paediatric Urologist and Robotic Surgeon. Over the past 14 years, the programme has grown into a premier referral centre for complex paediatric urological procedures, serving families from across India as well as neighbouring countries.
The numbers behind the achievement are equally striking. Nearly 50 per cent of the children treated were below five years of age, while one in every ten patients was an infant under one year, demonstrating that robotic-assisted surgery can be performed safely and effectively even in the tiniest of patients.
The newly inaugurated Centre of Excellence formally recognises this sustained record of clinical excellence, innovation and superior patient outcomes, while reinforcing Apollo Children’s Hospitals’ commitment to advancing specialised paediatric surgical care.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. V. Sripathi, Senior Consultant Paediatric Urologist and Robotic Surgeon, said the milestone reflected both technological progress and the trust reposed by families.
“Completing more than 400 paediatric robotic surgeries is a significant milestone that reflects both clinical excellence and the trust families place in us. Robotic surgery enables us to perform complex procedures with greater precision, less pain, and faster recovery. At Apollo Children’s Hospitals, patient safety is our highest priority, with our paediatric urology team, anaesthetists, nurses, operation theatre staff, and biomedical engineers working together to ensure the safest possible care for every child. Through this Centre of Excellence, we will continue to advance paediatric robotic surgery and expand access to world-class care.”
Unlike conventional open surgery, robotic-assisted laparoscopic procedures provide surgeons with a magnified three-dimensional view and highly dexterous wristed instruments capable of replicating the natural movement of the human hand with exceptional precision. This allows surgeons to perform delicate reconstruction while preserving healthy surrounding tissues—an especially critical advantage in children’s surgery.
During intricate kidney reconstruction procedures, surgeons can operate without disturbing the intestines, significantly reducing surgical trauma and accelerating recovery.
For young patients and their families, the benefits are substantial. Smaller incisions mean reduced postoperative pain, minimal blood loss, shorter hospital stays and almost invisible scars. Babies undergoing renal procedures are often able to resume feeding within two hours, while most children return home within 24 to 48 hours, dramatically reducing both physical and emotional stress.
Highlighting the broader significance of the initiative, Sindoori Reddy, Director – Strategy, Apollo Hospitals, said:
“The launch of this Centre of Excellence marks the next phase in Apollo’s journey to advance paediatric care using robotics and precision AI. The impact of these technologies translates to smaller incisions, less pain and quicker recovery for the child. This milestone reinforces Apollo’s commitment to accelerate the adoption of advanced minimally invasive surgery, expand access to world-class care, and help shape the future of paediatric urological care across India and beyond.”
The Centre of Excellence was inaugurated in the presence of Dr. Ilankumaran Kaliamoorthy, Chief Executive Officer, Apollo Hospitals, Chennai Region, and Dr. Sushila Narayanasamy, Unit Head, Apollo Women’s & Children’s Hospitals.
With more than a decade of pioneering expertise, the Centre is expected to further strengthen research, education and innovation in paediatric robotic surgery while making advanced minimally invasive procedures accessible to more children across the region.
For hundreds of families, the milestone represents more than a technological breakthrough—it is proof that even the smallest patients can now receive world-class, precision-guided surgical care with greater safety, quicker recovery and a brighter start to life.
