In a groundbreaking medical feat, a 64-year-old resident of Andheri, Mumbai, underwent a successful prostate cancer surgery with a unique condition: his lead surgeon was not in the operating theatre, the hospital, or even the country. The surgeon, Dr. T B Yuvaraja, performed the procedure from Shanghai, approximately 8,000 kilometers away, using a console connected to robotic arms in Mumbai.
A New Era of Surgical Care in India
The surgery was conducted using robotic arms controlled by Dr. Yuvaraja through an internet-enabled console. The onco-urologist, attached to Kokilaben Ambani Hospital in Andheri, stated he could operate from his consulting room while the patient was in the operation theatre. This event is part of a growing trend of telerobotic surgeries in India, aimed at democratizing access to complex surgical procedures.
Just a day before this cross-border operation, on December 23, doctors from HN Reliance Foundation Hospital in Girgaon, Mumbai, performed a similar remote robotic procedure at a community medical centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat. Dr. Tarang Gianchandani from the hospital highlighted that for decades, specialized surgical care was limited to a few urban hubs, leaving millions without timely treatment. She emphasized that tele-robotic surgery, powered by indigenous innovation, advanced robotics, and secure digital infrastructure, is transforming healthcare delivery across India.
Potential and Challenges of Remote Surgery
Telerobotic surgery holds immense promise for improving access. Global studies estimate that nearly 5 billion people worldwide lack access to safe and affordable surgical care. Although introduced in India just last year, fewer than 200 such surgeries have been performed to date. A significant milestone was achieved recently when SS Innovations International Inc., the developer of India's first indigenous surgical robotic system, SSII Mantra, announced the completion of 100 robotic telesurgeries.
However, the path forward is not without hurdles. Concerns regarding costs, legal frameworks, and cybersecurity persist. The use of a robotic arm typically adds between Rs 1 lakh and Rs 2 lakh to the cost of a surgery. Despite this, doctors like Dr. Yuvaraja believe telerobotics could ultimately be more economical for patients' families. He explained that if a surgeon in Mumbai operates on a patient admitted to a hospital in Indore, it eliminates travel and accommodation expenses for the family, potentially lowering the overall expenditure.
The Future of Surgery and Training
Dr. Yuvaraja also pointed out that telesurgery could revolutionize surgical education, making teaching and learning procedures far easier. The technology is evolving rapidly. While the first generation of robotic arms lacked telesurgery capabilities, newer models include this feature. These advanced systems also integrate artificial intelligence to enhance surgical precision. The Mumbai patient, referred to as S Rahul (not his real name), had a near-total cure probability and was discharged on the third day after his historic operation.
This pioneering event marks a significant step toward a future where geographical barriers no longer dictate the quality of healthcare one can receive, bringing hope for equitable medical access across India and beyond.
