48 Hours to Joy: How Robotic Surgery Gave a Toddler a New Lease on Life

By Dr. Prabhu Karunakaran
Consultant Pediatric Urologist & Robotic Surgeon, Hyderabad

Imagine a child undergoing surgery one morning — and running around his home the very next day. This is not science fiction. It’s the future of pediatric care, made possible by robotic surgery.

A Tiny Patient, A Big Breakthrough

In late June 2025, a 16-month-old boy from Hyderabad was brought to us with a urological condition that traditionally would have required a major open surgery. For most parents, this news alone is heart-wrenching. Thoughts of long recovery, pain, and hospital stays cloud every decision.

But what happened next changed not just the family’s expectations — it reaffirmed why robotic-assisted surgery is becoming a game-changer in pediatric care.

The Surgery That Changed Everything

Instead of a large incision and a week-long hospital stay, we performed a minimally invasive procedure using the da Vinci robotic surgical system. The operation was smooth and uneventful. But what happened after was nothing short of extraordinary:

✅ The child began oral feeding just 4 hours post-surgery
✅ He was standing and attempting to walk by the next morning
✅ Discharged by Day 2
✅ Playing, smiling, and pain-free with minimal dressings

In just 48 hours, this little warrior went from an operating table to his playmat — with no large scars and no trauma holding him back.

Why Parents Are Choosing Robotic Surgery

When your child needs surgery, the emotional toll is just as significant as the physical one. Robotic surgery aims to reduce both — with incredible outcomes.

Here’s how it compares to traditional techniques:

With magnified 3D vision and ultra-precise, tremor-free instruments, robotic surgery gives surgeons the control and finesse they need to operate even in the tiniest anatomical spaces — something especially important in infants and young children.

A Surgeon’s Perspective: It’s Not Just About the Tools

As someone who has dedicated my career to pediatric urology, I can confidently say: robotic surgery isn’t about technology for technology’s sake.

It’s about reducing trauma.
It’s about faster healing.
It’s about helping children return to being children.

I’ve witnessed case after case where children who underwent robotic procedures bounced back faster, experienced less pain, and carried fewer emotional scars — not just physical ones.

Every Day Matters in a Child’s Recovery

As parents, you don’t just want a successful surgery — you want your child to feel better quickly, avoid pain, and smile again.

That’s why we offer robotic-assisted surgery as an option for various pediatric urological conditions involving the kidneys, ureters, and bladder. While it may not be suitable for every case, when it is, it can truly transform the healing journey.

Let’s Explore the Right Path for Your Child

If your child has been advised surgery or you’re looking for the most compassionate and advanced care possible, I welcome you to consult with me and explore whether robotic surgery is the right choice.

Together, we’ll make informed, confident decisions — always putting your child’s well-being first.

🩺 Dr. Prabhu Karunakaran

Consultant Pediatric Urologist & Robotic Surgeon
Available at:
Apollo Jubilee Hills, Citizens Hospital, Little Star, SHE, and Lotus Hospitals – Hyderabad

📧 Email: pediatricurologistofhyderabad@gmail.com
📞 Phone: +91 85005 50328