In a remarkable medical success, doctors at HCMCT Manipal Hospital, Dwarka, have performed a rare robotic kidney removal surgery on a 19-month-old girl from Mauritius, giving her a chance at a healthier and infection-free life.

The toddler was born with Congenital Anomalies of the Kidney and Urinary Tract (CAKUT), a group of birth defects that affect the development of the kidneys and urinary system. Her right kidney had become completely damaged and non-functional due to a condition called multicystic dysplastic kidney disease. The damaged kidney was also causing repeated episodes of fever and urinary tract infections, putting her health at constant risk.

CAKUT is one of the leading causes of chronic kidney disease in children and is responsible for nearly half of all pediatric kidney disease cases worldwide. If not treated in time, it can lead to serious health complications and even kidney failure.

After a detailed medical evaluation, a multidisciplinary team at the hospital decided to perform a robotic nephrectomy — a minimally invasive procedure to remove the damaged kidney.

Explaining the challenges of the surgery, Dr. Vikas Jain, HOD and Consultant-Urology at Manipal Hospital Dwarka, said the team’s foremost goal was to help the child live a healthier life. He noted that at just 19 months of age, she is among the youngest children to undergo robotic kidney removal surgery.

"Operating on such a young child required extraordinary precision because the available space inside the abdomen was extremely limited. The enlarged diseased kidney occupied almost the entire upper right side of the abdomen, making the procedure particularly challenging. With careful planning and teamwork, we were able to safely remove the non-functioning kidney and reduce the risk of future complications," Dr. Jain said.

Dr. Abhinav Jain, Consultant-Urology at the hospital, highlighted that treating very young children requires special attention at every stage of care.

"In infants and toddlers, everything from positioning during surgery to monitoring and protecting the healthy kidney needs extra care. We also focused on effective pain control and ensuring a quick recovery. The child recovered smoothly and was discharged in a stable condition, which reflects the coordinated efforts of the entire medical team," he said.

The anaesthesia team played a crucial role in the child's recovery by using an ultrasound-guided nerve block that provided long-lasting pain relief. This helped keep the child comfortable while reducing the need for additional medication after surgery.

Doctors say the case demonstrates how robotic-assisted surgery is transforming pediatric urology by making complex procedures safer and more precise, even in very young children. It also highlights India's growing reputation as a destination for advanced medical care, attracting patients from around the world for specialized treatments.

The successful surgery not only saved a young child from recurring infections and future complications but also showcased how cutting-edge technology and expert teamwork can deliver life-changing outcomes for even the smallest patients.