Robot-assisted radical cystoprostatectomy in a small child with rhabdomyosarcoma: a case report

Abstract

We report the first case of a robot-assisted radical cystoprostatectomy in a 22-month-old boy with embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma in his urinary bladder. Treatment according to international protocol CWS-2002 P (Cooperative Weichteilsarkom Studie) was given prior to surgery. The da Vinci S Surgical System from Intuitive Surgical (Sunnyvale, CA, USA) was used to laparoscopically remove the urinary bladder and prostate radically. The surgical procedure performed and the postoperative course were uneventful. This technique is safe and feasible also in small children. It seems to have advantages over open surgery and no disadvantages. We recommend this technique for further use.

Keywords: Children; Cystoprostatectomy; Paediatric surgery; Rhabdomyosarcoma; Robotic; da Vinci.