Yenepoya Hospital Achieves Milestone with Robotic-Assisted Heart Surgery in Mangaluru
In a significant advancement for cardiac care, Yenepoya Medical College Hospital in Mangaluru has successfully conducted a robotic-assisted minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). This pioneering procedure marks a new era in heart surgery, combining cutting-edge technology with patient-centric benefits.
Details of the Groundbreaking Procedure
The surgery was performed on a middle-aged male patient diagnosed with coronary artery disease, specifically double-vessel disease and blocked stents. The medical team opted for a multivessel bypass using a minimally invasive approach, which starkly contrasts with traditional open-heart methods. Instead of the large chest incision and breastbone splitting typical in conventional surgery, the robotic-assisted technique involved only a small keyhole incision between the ribs.
The surgical team leveraged the advanced SSI Mantra Robotic Surgical System, which provides high-definition 3D visualisation and enhanced precision. This technology allows surgeons to operate with greater control and accuracy, minimising risks and improving outcomes. The procedure was led by Dr Sakthivel K, chief and consultant cardiothoracic surgeon, supported by a multidisciplinary team including associate cardiac surgeon Dr Arjun, cardiac anaesthetists Dr Mohandas, Dr Krishnaprasad, and Dr Vinayak, along with perfusionists and dedicated nursing staff from the operation theatre and critical care units.
Advantages of Robotic-Assisted Minimally Invasive Surgery
This innovative approach offers numerous benefits over traditional cardiac surgery:
- Reduced Trauma and Pain: The absence of bone cutting leads to significantly less physical trauma and postoperative pain for the patient.
- Faster Recovery: Patients can expect to resume normal physical activity within approximately 10 days, a stark improvement compared to the months often required after conventional surgery.
- Minimised Blood Loss and Infection Risk: The precision of robotic surgery reduces blood loss and lowers the risk of infections, enhancing patient safety.
- Shorter Hospital Stays: Hospitalisation is typically shortened to just a few days, reducing overall healthcare costs and improving patient comfort.
Long-Term Benefits and Cost-Effectiveness
Beyond the immediate recovery advantages, CABG surgery provides strong long-term outcomes. These include complete revascularisation of blocked arteries, reduced dependency on medications, a lower risk of repeat heart attacks, and fewer repeat procedures. Additionally, this method is considered cost-effective when compared to multiple stenting procedures and repeated hospital admissions, making it a sustainable option for managing coronary artery disease.
This achievement by Yenepoya Hospital underscores the growing role of robotic technology in transforming cardiac surgery, offering hope for improved patient care and outcomes in the field of cardiology.
