MIOT International has achieved a historic milestone in paediatric cancer care by successfully performing India’s 1st complete robotic removal of a Wilms tumour (kidney cancer) in a child. This complex, high-risk surgery marks a significant advancement in minimally invasive paediatric oncology and reinforces MIOT’s leadership in robotic surgery.

A 5 year-old girl presented with blood in the urine, an early but critical warning sign. Detailed investigations, including a CT scan and biopsy, confirmed the diagnosis of Wilms tumour, a rare but serious form of kidney cancer seen in children.

  • The tumour measured 17 cm, replacing the entire left kidney
  • It was closely associated with major blood vessels and vital organs
  • The size and location made surgery extremely high risk

Early diagnosis and a carefully planned, multidisciplinary treatment approach were crucial to achieving a positive outcome.

Why This Surgery Was High Risk

Removing a large kidney tumour in a child is among the most challenging procedures in paediatric surgery.

  • The kidney lies close to the pancreas, spleen, intestines, and major blood vessels
  • Any injury could result in severe bleeding or life-threatening complications
  • Traditional open surgery carries higher risks of pain, blood loss, and prolonged recovery

Given these challenges, MIOT’s paediatric surgery team opted for a robotic approach, following tumour reduction with chemotherapy.

Robotic Technology Ensuring Safer Surgery

After carefully reducing the tumour size using chemotherapy, MIOT’s paediatric surgery experts chose robotic-assisted surgery to ensure maximum precision and safety.This procedure became the first of its kind in India, where a child with a Wilms tumour underwent complete robotic tumour removal.

Key Advantages of Robotic Surgery

  • 3D HD magnification for clear identification of the tumour and vital organs
  • Exceptional precision and stability, enabling safe movements within a child’s small abdomen
  • Enhanced access to deep structures, allowing careful dissection around major blood vessels
  • Minimal trauma to surrounding tissues

The tumour was removed completely, without rupture, no blood transfusion, and no damage to nearby organs.

Less Pain, Faster Recovery

Unlike conventional open surgery, robotic surgery requires only small incisions. Carbon dioxide gas gently expands the abdomen, creating a clear surgical field while minimising tissue damage.
This approach resulted in:

  • Significantly less post-operative pain
  • Minimal damage to surrounding tissues
  • Faster recovery and early return to normal activity

The child recovered smoothly and was able to resume daily activities much sooner than expected.

Comprehensive, Child-Friendly Care

MIOT ensured that the child’s treatment journey was as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

  • A Hickman catheter was used to deliver treatment without repeated needle pricks
  • Continuous epidural analgesia infusion ensured a pain-free surgical experience
  • Chemotherapy and radiotherapy were administered post-surgery to prevent recurrence, as the tumour was aggressive

Today, the child is active, playful, and recovering well, reflecting the success of both the surgery and the holistic care approach.

Setting New Benchmarks in Paediatric Cancer Care

This milestone highlights MIOT International’s commitment to:

  • Advancing robotic surgery in complex paediatric cases
  • Delivering world-class cancer care with compassion
  • Combining technology, expertise, and child-centric care

MIOT continues to push boundaries in healthcare innovation, offering hope and healing to children and families facing the most challenging diagnoses.

To know more about MIOT’s Department of Paediatric Surgery visit: https://www.miotinternational.com/key-specialities/paediatric-surgery/

To know more about MIOT Institute of Robotic Surgery visit: https://www.miotinternational.com/facilities-and-resources/facilities/miot-institute-of-robotic-surgery/