She hops, jumps and does gymnastics again, completely without pain: only small scars are evidence of a hernia operation performed with the help of a robot on a child at the University Hospital of Graz. The first high-tech device that is also approved for small patients. Currently there are only twelve in the world.
Noemi is ten, a cute girl who is an expert in rhythmic gymnastics, but was thrown off track due to a hernia. For the first time, a robot was used on this small patient in the pediatric surgery department in Graz. “At first we were not enthusiastic about the idea,” says the mother. “Our concern was that we looked a bit like guinea pigs.”
But mother and daughter, who were present at the presentation of the robot, are completely satisfied with the result. “We were able to go home the day after the procedure.” Four weeks later the little one is in great shape. “I’m jumping around again.” My school colleagues would not have been impressed by the use of robots. “But they were carrying my school bag,” Noemi laughs.
Robot has three arms
The robot is a sensation in pediatric surgery and should herald a new pioneering era: it is the first to be approved for young patients (from 12 months), works with three robotic arms, will have its Austrian premiere in Graz – and it is currently only twelve worldwide times available. It comes with a proud price: the 1.5 million euro high-tech device, which refines the surgeon’s hand, costs 16,000 euros per month to rent, explains head of pediatric surgery Holger Till. Wounds would be smaller, healing would be faster, “we can control movements better,” says Vanessa Wolf Swallowner, a pediatric surgeon who specializes in the robot.
Two teams have specialized
With this robot support, 50 to 100 of the 4,300 pediatric surgical procedures could be performed per year; Due to the personnel capacity – two teams are currently being trained for this – more is not (yet) possible. Operations in and around the abdominal cavity are possible, such as inguinal hernias, appendixes, reflux, etc.
Launched from baptism
By the way, Prof. Till and his team gave Noemi a very nice surprise: because she was the first, the robot was named “Noemi”. “I love it,” the little one beamed.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
