Doctors at HCMCT Manipal Hospital Dwarka have successfully performed a rare robot-assisted kidney removal surgery on a 19-month-old child from Mauritius suffering from Congenital Anomalies of the Kidney and Urinary Tract (CAKUT), a group of birth defects that affect the normal development of the kidneys and urinary system.
The young patient had been diagnosed with the condition shortly after birth. Her right kidney had become severely damaged due to multicyclic dysplastic disease, resulting in complete loss of function and repeated episodes of febrile urinary tract infections (UTIs). Following a comprehensive clinical evaluation, specialists at the hospital recommended robotic nephrectomy to remove the non-functioning kidney and prevent further complications.
The procedure represents a significant milestone in pediatric robotic surgery, given the patient’s age and the complexity of operating within a very limited anatomical space.
Understanding the Impact of CAKUT in Children
Congenital Anomalies of the Kidney and Urinary Tract (CAKUT) are among the leading causes of chronic kidney disease in children worldwide. Medical studies indicate that the condition accounts for approximately 50–60 percent of pediatric chronic kidney disease cases and up to 40 percent of pediatric end-stage kidney disease cases.
If left untreated, CAKUT can result in recurrent infections, impaired kidney function, and long-term health complications that may significantly affect a child’s quality of life.
In this case, the child’s enlarged and non-functional kidney posed a continuing risk of infection, making surgical intervention necessary.
Complex Procedure Required Exceptional Precision
The surgery was performed by a multidisciplinary team led by Dr. Vikas Jain, Head of Department and Consultant – Urology at HCMCT Manipal Hospital Dwarka.
Speaking about the case, Dr. Jain said:
“When we first met the child and her mother, our primary objective was to provide a treatment solution that would improve her quality of life and protect her long-term health. At just 19 months of age, she is among the youngest patients to undergo robotic kidney removal surgery. The procedure was particularly challenging because the enlarged kidney occupied a significant portion of the abdominal cavity, leaving very limited operating space. Careful planning, advanced robotic technology, and coordinated multidisciplinary care enabled us to safely perform the surgery and minimize future health risks.”
The robotic approach allowed surgeons to perform delicate movements with enhanced precision, an important advantage when operating on very young children, where anatomical structures are significantly smaller and more sensitive.
Multidisciplinary Care Supported Successful Recovery
According to Dr. Abhinav Jain, Consultant – Urology at HCMCT Manipal Hospital Dwarka, the success of the procedure extended beyond the surgical intervention itself.
“Managing pediatric patients requires meticulous attention at every stage of care, from surgical planning and intraoperative monitoring to postoperative recovery. Protecting the function of the healthy kidney while ensuring effective pain management and a smooth recovery process was a key priority. The patient’s successful recovery and discharge reflected the coordinated efforts of the entire multidisciplinary team.”
The anesthesia team played a critical role in ensuring a safe perioperative experience. To enhance postoperative comfort, specialists administered an ultrasound-guided nerve block that provided prolonged pain relief while minimizing the need for additional medication during recovery.
Advancing the Role of Robotics in Pediatric Urology
The successful outcome highlights the growing application of robotic-assisted surgery in pediatric urology, where precision and minimally invasive techniques can significantly improve surgical outcomes.
Robotic technology offers several advantages in complex pediatric procedures, including smaller incisions, reduced postoperative discomfort, faster recovery times, and enhanced surgical accuracy. As technology continues to evolve, specialists believe robot-assisted interventions will play an increasingly important role in treating challenging urological conditions in children.
The case also underscores India’s emergence as a preferred destination for advanced medical care, attracting international patients seeking highly specialized treatment for rare and complex conditions.
Strengthening India’s Position in Advanced Healthcare
Healthcare experts note that growing investments in advanced surgical technologies, coupled with multidisciplinary clinical expertise, are enabling Indian hospitals to undertake increasingly complex procedures across specialties.
The successful treatment of a young international patient reflects the confidence that patients and families from around the world continue to place in India’s healthcare ecosystem and its ability to deliver specialized care across a wide range of medical disciplines.
About Manipal Hospitals
Manipal Hospitals is one of India’s leading healthcare providers, serving more than eight million patients annually through a network of hospitals, clinics, and specialized healthcare facilities.
The healthcare group currently operates 49 hospitals across 24 cities with over 12,600 licensed beds, supported by a team of more than 11,000 doctors and over 34,000 employees. The network provides comprehensive preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic healthcare services to patients from India and around the world.
Manipal Hospitals maintain internationally recognized quality standards, including AAHRPP accreditation, while several hospitals within the network hold NABH, NABL, Emergency Services, Blood Bank, and Nursing Excellence accreditations.
