Lurie Children's is one of the only pediatric centers in the world that is home to a comprehensive robotic surgery program using the latest Intuitive Da Vinci surgical system. The robot allows surgeons to perform minimally invasive procedures with increased precision, dexterity and a magnified view. Surgeons use a sophisticated, computer-enhanced system to guide surgical tools in areas of the body where a surgeon’s hands would have limited mobility.
This approach often results in a quicker recovery and smaller incisions and post-surgery scars for the pediatric patient.
If robotic surgery is right for your child, your Lurie Children's care team will discuss the details and what to expect before, during and after the surgery. Learn more in the below video.
Why Choose Lurie Children's?
Pediatric surgical specialists at Lurie Children’s have extra training in pediatrics and their chosen fields of medicine to help ensure the best possible outcomes for their patients. The hospital has received recognition as a Level I Children’s Surgery Center, demonstrating proficiency in surgical care at all levels. Lurie Children’s is one of 34 pediatric hospitals in the nation and the first in Illinois to have this designation.
The ability to offer robot-assisted surgery is another way Lurie Children’s surgical specialists’ expertise stands out.
Conditions We Treat
The Robotic Surgery Program is well-suited for procedures related to general & thoracic pediatric surgery, otolaryngology-ENT, urology and hepatobiliary surgery. Learn more about robot use in urology.
Some procedures the robot is used at Lurie Children’s for include:
- Colorectal surgeries
- Inguinal hernia repair
- Gallbladder surgery
- Ventral hernia repair
- Mouth and throat surgeries
- Procedures related to the kidney or bladder
- Anti-reflux surgery
- Numerous urology-related conditions
Specialists
Pediatric Urology
Diana K. Bowen, MD
Attending Physician, Urology
Earl Y. Cheng, MD
Division Head, Urology; Co-Head, Reconstructive Pediatric Urology; Founders’ Board Chair in Urology
David I. Chu, MD, MSCE
Attending Physician, Urology
Edward M. Gong, MD
Attending Physician, Urology; Co-Director, Fetal Urology, The Chicago Institute for Fetal Health
Emilie K. Johnson, MD, MPH, FACS
Attending Physician, Urology
Bruce W. Lindgren, MD
Director of Minimally Invasive Urological Surgery; Attending Physician, Urology
Dennis B. Liu, MD, FACS
Director of Resident Education, Urology; Director of Medical Student Education, Urology; Clinical Practice Director, Urology
Derek J. Matoka, MD
Attending Physician, Urology
Catherine M. Seager, MD
Attending Physician, Urology
Pediatric General & Thoracic Surgery
Seth D. Goldstein, MD, MPhil
Attending Physician, Pediatric Surgery; Director, Surgical Simulation Program; Program Director, Fellowship in Pediatric Surgery
Timothy B. Lautz, MD
Attending Physician, Pediatric Surgery; Director, Surgical Oncology
Pediatric Otolaryngology
Douglas R. Johnston, MD
Attending Physician, Otorhinolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery; Director of Surgical Outreach Services - Silver Cross; Director of Surgical Services - Westchester
What to Expect
If robot-assisted surgery is right for your child, their care team will discuss the details of what this would involve, including what can be expected before, during and after the procedure.
Because the robot can be used for a wide spectrum of surgery, the details will vary for each procedure. Your surgeon and care team will ensure you and your family understand the specifics of the procedure your child needs, feel comfortable with the approach and have no unanswered questions.
Make an Appointment
We offer several scheduling options for your child's care needs.
Our Location
Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
225 E. Chicago Ave.Chicago, Illinois 60611
312.227.4000
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