This innovative series explores the fascinating connection between art, science, and creativity. The first episode, now streaming on PBS.org, dives into the work we're doing with Spikelangelo, the painting robot that helps children with epilepsy heal and recover through artistic expression.

“Confluence explores the enduring--and often surprising connections between three of the most essential aspects of the human experience: art, science, and creativity. A range of stories are told by a terrific array of characters, some well-known and others will be wonderful discoveries for audiences.”

Tune in to see the power of art and science coming together to make a difference in the lives of our patients!

“Oh Lord. He’s my wild child,” Candice Morgan, Chance’s mother, says between a laugh and a sigh at her little boy.

Chance never stops. He acts like … well, like a typical 1 year old. No one would ever know this same little “wild child” experienced major surgery last week.

Chance underwent robotic surgery where the Cook Children’s Urology team sewed one ureter to another, using the new da Vinci® XI™ Surgical System.

Candice marvels at the three tiny incisions, less than an inch long, on her son’s lower abdomen. “I was worried at first,” Candice said. “My oldest son had surgery on his belly and he has one scar that’s still probably three inches long and that was 13 years ago.”

The da Vinci Xi provides minimally invasive surgery, but the robotic technology also allows the surgeons performing the procedure the latest in technology to operate the precision control system.

Jonathan Kaye, M.D., one of the members of Cook Children’s world-renowned urology team, performed the surgery on Chance. He and Blake Palmer, M.D., also a renowned and accomplished robotic surgeon and fellow member of the Cook Children’s Robotic team, have already successfully completed several such cases at Cook Children’s since the Robotic program began here in August.

The surgery itself looks like a cross between the latest in futuristic robot technology and the coolest video game you could ever play.

The surgeon sits in a chair and looks into a screen that reminds you of what you’ve seen people wear to watch virtual reality. He performs the surgery by placing his fingers in what looks like a gloved device. The surgeon uses his fingers to control the robot’s arms and the screen to perform the surgery.

“This is truly the latest and most advanced technology in our field. This technology will allow us to provide minimally invasive surgery on any number of procedures, ranging from the most routine to the most complex cases,” Dr. Kaye said. “It is the type of technology we are always looking for as surgeons because it allows us to provide the most precise and meticulous operation possible.”

Along with the precision of the surgery itself, the minimally invasive procedure reduces much of the pain and many complications associated with open procedures surgeons usually perform.

“This surgery helps with the goal we all have as a team and at Cook Children’s – to return these kids back to being kids as quickly as possible,” Dr. Palmer said. “The surgeries we perform with the da Vinci are still complex. No surgery is routine when it is your child. But because the surgery is minimally invasive, we are able to return the children home more quickly than most parents ever thought possible. Many are home the same day or the next day.”

Chance stayed overnight, but by the next day there was little doubt he was ready to go home.

“It’s really great and pretty amazing,” Candice said. “With him being 1 and very active, it’s great to not have a big incision. When friends and family heard he had just had surgery, they couldn’t believe it. He was just all over the place like nothing happened.”

Meet the Urology Team at Cook Children's:

As part of our new Pediatric Urology department, the Genitourinary Research, Education and Treatment (GREAT) Kids program is led by a team of world-renowned medical professionals with expertise in both common and rare genitourinary diseases and conditions to the children of North Texas and beyond. Learn more about this program by clicking here.

If you would like to schedule an appointment, refer a patient or speak to the staff, please call the offices at 682-303-0376 or click here to learn more about appointments and referrals.