Osteoarthritis and chronic joint degeneration affect millions of elderly Indians. For decades, advanced age has significantly limited surgical choices for this group, but robotic-assisted joint replacement surgery has changed that landscape, particularly for patients in their late 70s and up to 90 years old and beyond. Zydus Hospitals is among the few healthcare providers offering focused care for the geriatric population by bringing advanced robotic surgical options, thereby giving them a better quality of life.
Shift in Elderly Patient Attitudes
Across India, a measurable shift is underway in how elderly patients relate to age-related issues. Today's elderly population has become more conscious of their well-being and wishes to remain healthy and independent. They are less willing to accept the inevitability of aging and actively seek solutions that allow them to avoid dependence on others. Robotic joint replacement surgeries have emerged as one such solution, helping them achieve an improved standard of living.
Case Study: 92-Year-Old Patient
Dr. Satish Patel, Senior Robotic Joint Replacement Surgeon at Zydus Ahmedabad, shared the story of a 92-year-old patient who underwent bilateral total knee replacement using robotic surgery. "She came to us seeking a solution because she did not wish to be dependent on anyone after surgery. Given her age, conventional surgery could have been disadvantageous, so after counseling, she chose to proceed with robotic surgery. It went well, and she was discharged quickly. She remains independent to this day," Dr. Patel said. "We perform muscle-sparing, suture-less surgeries, so there is zero muscle loss, and the patient does not need to return for suture removal. Because the trauma to the knee is minimal, patients recover very well."
Benefits for Patients with Comorbidities
Dr. Yatin Desai, Senior Orthopedic and Robotic Joint Replacement Surgeon at Zydus Hospitals, concurred, drawing on his four decades of experience and the evolution of operative techniques. "Recently, an 83-year-old patient with pulmonary fibrosis and compromised kidney function came to me with osteoarthritis of the hip. Despite his comorbidities, we used a surgical robot to perform total hip replacement surgery, completing the procedure in under an hour," he said. Reduced operative time means an overall reduction in anesthetic exposure, blood loss, and systemic stress. Dr. Desai added, "He is one of many patients in this age group who have undergone robotic joint replacement surgery and have been very satisfied with their improved quality of life."
Advanced Robotic System at Zydus
Although various types of surgical robots are available, Zydus employs one of the most advanced systems, the Mako by Stryker. As Dr. Vilkesh Patel, Joint Replacement Surgeon at Zydus Anand, pointed out, "During conventional surgeries, a lot of bone dust is generated, but our system uses a bone saw cutting technique that reduces bone wastage. We also do not need to open the femoral canal, so there is no fluid loss, which directly improves the longevity of the surgical implant." He added, "I recently operated on a 75-year-old woman with severe knee deformity and knee pain that had persisted for over a decade. For her, robotic surgery turned out to be a blessing."
Focus on Affordability
Dr. Venkat Banerjee from Zydus Anand, who has successfully operated on several elderly patients, including those over 80 who underwent robotic total knee replacement, stated, "Restoring mobility and improving quality of life through precise, safe, and affordable surgery has been our motto." This aligns with Zydus's mission to offer exceptional healthcare at economical rates to a larger patient population. The cost of robotic joint replacement surgery in larger metro cities ranges from 3 to 5 lakhs, whereas Zydus Ahmedabad offers a package at 2,50,000 rupees and just 2,00,000 rupees at Zydus Anand.
Comprehensive Team and Outcomes
The team of robotic joint replacement surgeons at Ahmedabad and Vadodara also includes Dr. Samir Nanavati, Dr. Maulik Patwa, Dr. Tejas Thakker, and Dr. Mihir Dholakia, who noted, "Zydus has become a primary destination for robotic surgeries in geriatric patients. These days, the robotic approach changes the entire post-operative trajectory, and patients with serious comorbidities respond far better than they would under conventional surgery."
With pre-operative digital planning and intraoperative robotic guidance, implant positioning is extremely precise, resulting in minimal soft tissue trauma and reduced operative time. For geriatric patients, this distinction is tremendous and has become a boon. Patients or caregivers seeking more information about robotic joint replacement surgeries can visit the Zydus Hospitals website.
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