Ahead of the Curve: DaVinci’s Robotic-Surgery Genius

Inspired by the genius of Leonardo da Vinci, the da Vinci Xi robotic-assisted surgery system brings cutting-edge technology and surgical precision together to transform outcomes for young patients at Children's Nebraska. Just as da Vinci was a master of blending art and science, this advanced system allows Children’s surgeons to perform minimally invasive procedures with unmatched accuracy, leading to faster recoveries and improved results. With the addition of the da Vinci Xi, Children’s is not only enhancing care today but also paving the way for the future of pediatric surgery.

Children’s became the first in the region to use the da Vinci Xi robotic system in a pediatric setting. By the end of 2024, specialized teams had already performed nearly 500 da Vinci procedures with the da Vinci robot for patients of all ages. Our pediatric experts have treated conditions ranging from gallstones and tumors to lung disease, obesity and complex colon disorders. Before considering a da Vinci procedure, providers talk with patients and families about their best treatment options. These vary with each patient’s age, size, condition and treatment goals.

“It’s another tool in the toolbox that we can offer,” said Abdalla Zarroug, MD, pediatric and general surgeon and chief of pediatric surgery at Children’s. Dr. Zarroug is passionate about Children’s commitment to delivering world-class care close to home.

“We're ahead of the curve,” said Dr. Zarroug. “We’re among the top few Children’s hospitals using the da Vinci, and we’re among the busiest in the region. A long time ago, we saw open surgery converting to minimally invasive surgery. Now, we’re seeing minimally invasive surgery converting to robotic surgery.”

Minimally Invasive Approaches

Today’s surgeons can perform many procedures with minimally invasive methods. Some experts call minimally invasive surgery keyhole surgery because providers can operate through small, keyhole-sized openings in the body. With flexible scopes and intelligent tools, providers can work with fewer and smaller cuts. As a result, patients typically have shorter treatment times, less discomfort and faster recovery.

Intricate, Surgeon-Guided Moves

Robotic-assisted surgery is next-level minimally invasive surgery. The da Vinci enables highly trained and certified surgeons to perform minimally invasive procedures with enhanced clarity, efficiency and precision. Da Vinci [MC1] offers powerful magnification and 3D vision, real-time data about organs and tissues, and better access to remote or complex parts of the body. The surgeon controls every movement of the da Vinci’s finely tuned surgical tools.

Every expert on Children’s robotics team has the training, certification and experience necessary to work comfortably with da Vinci technology. The da Vinci gives our pediatric surgeons remarkable flexibility and reach. Its robotic arms bend at flexible elbow and wrist joints. With advanced 3D vision, surgeons at the nearby console control slim instruments selected for specific needs. Using powerful magnification and viewing angles, surgeons can operate with pinpoint accuracy.

“With many minimally invasive procedures, the instrument goes in, opens and then goes sideways and up and down,” explained Dr. Zarroug. “You can do a lot with that. But imagine that exact same instrument with the same capabilities that also moves and bends at the wrist and at the elbow and curves so that it can literally bend around an organ.”

Other smart features include sensitive and responsive feedback. For example, the da Vinci can precisely measure tissue thickness. This guides the surgeon’s decisions, such as choosing the most effective type of staple. Guided by the surgeon, the da Vinci can find, cut and remove diseased tissues. It can stop bleeds, sew wounds and even tie knots with surgical threads.

Robot One: Home to Smart Tools and Teamwork

Children’s provides its leaders with all the equipment, training and resources they need to succeed. An experienced robot team is dedicated to all robotic procedures.

“They were trained by da Vinci experts and trained by us,” said Dr Zarroug. “They meet strict criteria before they’re allowed to assist. They complete multiple phases of credentialed training, including simulated models and expert-supervised practice.”

The da Vinci system is housed in the Hubbard Center for Children, located on Children’s main campus, a space designed with innovation and advanced technologies at its core. Within the center, Robot One is a dedicated room where a smart robot bed seamlessly docks and pairs wirelessly with the da Vinci’s surgeon-directed robotic operating console.

“During surgery, we can move the bed to get a better angle,” Dr. Zarroug explained. “The instruments move in just the right way to keep the exact same position in the patient’s body. It’s amazing!”

During a procedure, the primary pediatric surgeon controls selected instruments from the nearby console. An assistant surgeon places and monitors instruments and oversees other functions.

Every system and space is thoughtfully designed for efficiency, with room for an anesthesia machine and other essential equipment. The robot room also features an MRI machine for advanced brain and body imaging during surgery and is conveniently located next to a neurosurgical operating room. Smart engineering takes care of every detail, from keeping cords out of the way to ensuring multi-sided access to the patient for optimal surgical precision.

Bold Moves and Bright Futures

Donor support and visionary leadership brought da Vinci and other innovations to Children’s. Leaders remain committed to ongoing education and training in the latest advances and applications.

“Most of our urologists, pediatric neurologists and pediatric surgeons have invested the time to learn and use this technology,” said Dr. Zarroug. “When it comes to minimally invasive procedures and robotic surgery, we can do everything that any other hospital in the world can do.”

Learn more about Children's innovative surgical team.