Reece Wilson from Hampshire is treated with the Versius Surgical Robot System at Southampton Children’s Hospital

A seven-year-old boy has made history as the first child in the UK to undergo robotic-assisted surgery for a kidney condition. Reece Wilson, from Gosport, Hampshire, was treated at Southampton Children’s Hospital (SCH), part of University Hospital Southampton (UHS), using the Versius Surgical Robotic System.

Reece was diagnosed with pelviureteric junction obstruction (PUJO), a condition where a blockage disrupts the flow of urine from the kidney to the ureter. PUJO, which affects around one in 1,000 children, can cause long-term kidney damage if left untreated.

The pioneering operation was carried out by Consultant Paediatric Urologist Ewan Brownlee, who performed a robot-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty, a procedure to repair the narrowing between the kidney pelvis and the ureter. This procedure is typically complex, but the Versius system enables smaller, more precise incisions for paediatric patients.

Mr Brownlee said: “This is a milestone for paediatric urology in the UK, and it’s thrilling to see the potential benefits of robotic surgery for children. The evidence shows faster recovery, smaller scars, and in some cases, improved outcomes. This is just the beginning, and I hope it will lead to more minimally invasive surgeries for children across the UK.”

Reece’s mother, Elizabeth Wilson, expressed her confidence in the hospital team, stating: “Reece was initially nervous about his surgery, but once he learned a robot would be involved, he was excited. We’re thrilled he is part of this pioneering trial and are deeply grateful to the team at Southampton Children’s Hospital.”

The Versius system, developed by the UK company CMR Surgical, offers a unique 720-degree range of motion, allowing surgeons to perform intricate procedures with smaller instruments, perfect for paediatric patients. It also provides a wrist rotation feature for better precision. This trial, involving 150 patients, marks the beginning of using robotic surgery on children in the UK.

Stephen Griffin, Consultant Paediatric Urologist at UHS, who assisted in the surgery, said: “I believe this will be one of the most exciting developments in paediatric urology in the next decade.”

Mark Slack, co-founder and Chief Medical Officer of CMR Surgical, expressed excitement about the UK’s pioneering role in robotic surgery for children, saying: “We’re proud to be leading the first paediatric trial of the Versius system in the world. Its modular design and small instruments allow us to perform minimally invasive surgery on paediatric patients.”

The trial has the potential to revolutionise how complex surgeries are performed on children, leading to fewer complications, shorter recovery times, and reduced hospital stays. Professor Naeem Soomro, Vice-Chairman of The Royal College of Surgeons of England, voiced strong support for the trial, noting: “Robotic-assisted surgery offers precise, minimally invasive options for children with complex conditions. We are eager to see the trial results and hope for a wider adoption of this technology in the future.”