Mumbai: In a remarkable medical achievement, a 91-year-old grandmother from Thane, Saroj Dhonde, has successfully undergone robotic surgery for cancer, challenging conventional perceptions about treating elderly patients. Unlike many seniors who rely on medications for chronic conditions, Dhonde had never taken medicines for issues like diabetes and had only undergone cataract surgery two decades ago.
Diagnosis and Decision for Surgery
In November 2025, Dhonde, who remains active but homebound, experienced vaginal bleeding, prompting her family to consult a gynaecologist. An ultrasound scan revealed an unusually thick endometrial lining, and further tests confirmed malignancy, specifically carcinoma endometrium. Her 66-year-old son, Praful, initially hesitant about aggressive treatment, sought advice from a homeopath who recommended oncology care.
Praful then turned to a doctor who had treated his wife's breast cancer. After reviewing Dhonde's medical file, the doctor suggested that surgery might be the only viable treatment option and referred them to Dr. Anil Heroor from KIMS Hospital in Thane.
Advantages of Robotic-Assisted Surgery
Dr. Heroor explained that traditional open surgery would have involved a prolonged recovery period and higher complication risks for a nonagenarian. Therefore, the team opted for a robotic-assisted procedure, which included removing her uterus and ovaries and conducting a special test to check for cancer cells in the pelvic lymph nodes.
The three-hour surgery took place on January 10, and Dhonde was discharged just three days later, on January 13. Remarkably, she was out of bed and walking with physiotherapist assistance on the first post-operative day.
Expert Insights on Elderly Cancer Care
Dr. Heroor emphasized that this case demonstrates how robotic technology, combined with expert medical care, can offer safe and curative options for elderly cancer patients previously deemed high-risk for surgery. He noted that Dhonde's cancer was at stage-1, and she had no major health issues, making her a suitable candidate.
Dr. Avanish Saklani, Director of Surgical Oncology at Fortis Hospital in Mulund, concurred, stating that cancer treatment in older patients should be guided by overall health rather than age alone. He highlighted that while every surgery carries risks, avoiding treatment often leads to a decline in quality of life, with increased pain, dependence, and suffering.
Modern Techniques Enhancing Safety
Dr. Saklani added that elderly patients are often less able to tolerate intensive chemotherapy, but advances in minimally invasive and robotic surgeries have made cancer operations safer. With careful assessment and modern techniques, many seniors can undergo effective treatments aimed at preserving their dignity, independence, and quality of life.
For Praful, the fact that his mother would not require additional cancer treatments provided significant solace, reinforcing the success of the surgical intervention. This story underscores a growing trend in oncology, where age is no longer a barrier to effective cancer care, thanks to technological innovations and personalized medical approaches.
