Robotic Surgeries Gaining Popularity in India: 50% of Surgeries Done by Robotic Arms

A decade ago, most of the prostate cancer surgeries involved cutting open a portion of the lower abdomen. Then came the laparoscopic surgery where small incisions are made and the surgeries are done through a keyhole. Now, most of the surgeries are done using robots.

Dr N P Gupta, chairman of Medanta Kidney and Urology Institute, was the first to use the technology for radical prostatectomy in India.

"Use of robots is higher in the US, the UK and other developed nations. In India, around 25 centers use robotic surgeries. The use of robotic arms in urology is most successful. Nearly 50-60 percent of prostatectomy are done through robotic surgery," said Dr Gupta.

Compared to traditional open surgery, robotic surgery results in smaller incisions that causes minimum damage to the surrounding tissues. Less blood loss, less pain and scarring and shorter hospital stay are the benefits of robotic surgery.

The surgeons uses a computer to control the robotic arms and its end-effector. One arm of the robot controls the camera and the other three hands to manipulate the surgical instruments. The entire surgery procedure is observed via a high-definition 3D system.

"Most of the hospitals import robots from abroad, they are expensive. If Indian companies start marketing the same, cost will come down, "said Dr Gupta.

Source: Medindia