Robotic Laparoscopic Surgery

Minimally invasive surgery, including robotic and laparoscopic surgery, has become the standard of care for treatment of most intra-abdominal pediatric urological conditions.  At Johns Hopkins, we host the only Minimally Invasive and Robotic Pediatric Urology Program in Maryland.

Many surgeries, previously performed using large open incisions, can now be done with up to three 5mm or 8mm incisions.  Minimally invasive surgery has been shown to reduce postoperative pain, decrease the duration of hospitalization, shorten recovery time, and improve the appearance of scars.

We offer minimally invasive treatments for most urological conditions.  These most common procedures we offer include:

  • Robotic pyeloplasty for a treatment of a ureteropelvic junction obstruction (blocked kidney)
  • Robotic ureteral reimplant for treatment of vesicoureteral reflux or a blocked ureter
  • Robotic ureteroureterostomy for treatment of a ureterocele or an ectopic ureter 
  • Robotic urachal cyst excision for treatment of an infected urachus (belly button)
  • Robotic bladder diverticulectomy for removal of a bladder diverticulum (pocket in the bladder)
  • Laparoscopic nephrectomy for removal of a nonfunctioning kidney
  • Laparoscopic orchiopexy for treatment of an undescended testicle
  • Laparoscopic varicocelectomy for treatment of a varicocele (swollen vessels in the scrotum)

To find out if your child is eligible for a robotic or laparoscopic surgery, call 410-807-3398 to schedule an appointment to discuss minimally invasive surgery.