The Division of Pediatric Urology at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles provides Robotic-assisted Laparoscopic Surgery for our patients that allow us to apply the most technologically advanced tools available for reconstructive pediatric urologic procedures with better accuracy. We use the Da Vinci Surgical System from Intuitive Surgical Inc., Sunnyvale, CA. The CHLA Robotic Surgery program is the most active program in annual pediatric robotic surgery volume in Southern California and the Southwestern U.S.

The benefits of robotic surgery, as an alternative to open surgery, include:

a) Minimally invasive technique (small incisions)
b) Shorter hospital stays
c) Decreased postoperative pain medication requirements
d) Improved cosmetic appearance after surgery.

This program places Childrens Hospital Los Angeles as one of the few institutions in the country and in the world that provide minimally invasive robotic surgery for its patients in the field of pediatric urology. Childrens Hospital Los Angeles has the only pediatric-dedicated Da Vinci robot in Southern California and in the Southwestern United States.

Robotic surgery in pediatric urology is being used for:
1) Ureteropelvic Junction (UPJ) Obstruction/Pyeloplasty
2) Vesicoureteral Reflux (VUR)/Ureteral Reimplantation
3) Kidney Surgery, including kidney stone removal
4) Ureteral Reconstruction
5) Bladder Reconstruction / Augmentation

For more information, please contact:
Chester J. Koh, MD
Director, CHLA Robotic Surgery Program
Division of Pediatric Urology, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles
4650 Sunset Boulevard, Mailstop 114
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Office: 323-361-2247
Fax: 323-361-8034
Email: ckoh@chla.usc.edu

For the Da Vinci Pediatric Robotic Surgery website, please click here.