Robotic vs. Laparoscopic Gallbladder Surgery in Children: A Recent Study 

Similar to adults, children may need to be hospitalized for a condition known as acute cholecystitis, which is a result of sudden inflammation of the gallbladder, and commonly requires surgery to treat. Laparoscopic surgery, a type of minimally invasive surgery, is the standard of care, but robot-assisted minimally invasive surgery is becoming increasingly more common.

Both forms of surgery are safe and effective, but they use different approaches. A recent study from Nationwide Children’s Hospital helps explain how these two approaches compare in urgent (acute) cases.

What’s the Difference?

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (Lap-C) has been the standard for years. It uses several small incisions and long instruments guided by a camera to remove the gallbladder.

Robotic-assisted cholecystectomy (RA-C) is a newer technique and uses a robot called DaVinci^® which is controlled by the surgeon. In addition to some of the advantages related to this newer technique, some robotic surgeries, can be performed using a single site approach; using just one small incision near the belly button, which means less scarring and better cosmetic results.

What Did the Study Find?

Researchers looked at 50 children who had gallbladder surgery while hospitalized for acute cholecystitis. Half had Lap-C and half had RA-C. Here’s what they found:

• Surgery time was about the same for both groups.
• Hospital stays were similar, with most kids going home within a day.
• Complication rates were low in both groups and all considered minor.

Why Is Robotic Surgery Becoming More Common?

Robotic surgery offers some clear benefits. The robot provides surgical teams with better vision (3-D) and more precise control of surgical instruments, which can help in more difficult cases. The single small incision used in RA-C may also lead to less pain and faster recovery. As more hospitals train their teams to use advanced technology, robotic surgery is becoming more widely available — even for urgent cases.

What Should Parents Ask?

If your child needs gallbladder surgery, ask your care team:

• Which method will be used — laparoscopic or robotic?
• Why is that method recommended for your child?
• What are the expected recovery times and risks?

Both types of surgery are safe, and the choice often depends on the surgeon’s experience and the hospital’s resources.

The Bottom Line

Whether your child has laparoscopic or robotic-assisted gallbladder surgery, the outcomes are similar. Robotic surgery may offer better cosmetic results for patients and advantages for the surgical team, which can lead to smoother procedures. As technology improves and more hospitals adopt robotic systems, this method may become the new standard — especially for cases where improved precision and visibility are key.

Knowing the options can help you feel more confident and informed as you support your child through surgery and recovery.

In fact, pediatric surgeons are more frequently turning to robotic surgery options. These methods have been studied and used for different types of surgical procedures. As with all surgical procedures, consult with your child’s doctor for their recommendations for what is best for your child’s condition.