Robots have always been supportive assets. Robotic technology has transformed the healthcare department and is endlessly growing to meet the rising demands in the medical field. India has confirmed itself as a global healthcare landing space, offering improved medical solutions at competitive prices. One such noteworthy example is robotic surgery, an advanced technology that has modified the field of medicine, offering precision, efficiency, and marginally invasive options for patients in India and universally.
A number of success stories of this robotic surgery substantiate how robotic treatments are useful for both the patient and the surgeon. AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences) New Delhi, became the first institute to own a surgical robot in 2000. Since then, the number of these robotic systems has slowly shoot up. As of 2021, India has nearly 76 completely working surgical robots and more than 500 surgeons upskilled in robotic surgery. It’s time to understand how India is playing a crucial role in robotic surgery.
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Robotic Surgery in India
As per a report published in “The Hindu”, robots are used in about 30% of complicated procedures in India to confirm minimal invasion and accuracy, and this procedure has put the country on a level with developed nations.
Robotic surgery involves the use of robotic systems or devices attached to a robotic arm that are commanded by highly trained surgeons to carry out complicated procedures with added precision. These systems use high-level imaging, AI, and real-time analytics to advice instruments with perfection, generally beyond the capability of human hands alone.
The surgeon monitors the robotic arms with a computer and surgery is largely executed through smaller cuts than open surgery. Essential advantages of robotic surgery include minimized incision sizes, reduced hospital stays, reduced blood loss, and faster recovery.
Robotic surgery in India, has noted noteworthy growth, especially in top hospitals such as Apollo, Fortis, AIIMS, Medanta, and Max Healthcare. Indian surgeons, many of whom are trained at universally accepted institutions, bring expertness in handling these robotic systems, offering patients a distinctive blend of technology and skill at comparatively affordable rates.
Surgical robots have been used for decades in different medical specialities. This includes gynaecology, urology, and orthopaedics, for a variety of surgical procedures such as thoracoscopy, laparoscopy, and arthroscopy. Precision-guided brain biopsies were carried out using the first generation of surgical robots, termed as “stereotaxic robots”. The SCARA robot, ROBODOC, and AcroBot are outstanding examples. The second generation of surgical robots was commonly employed to enhance the capabilities of endoscopic platforms such as laparoscopy and thoracoscopy.
Some of the most accomplished laparoscopic surgeons in the world who spent decades refining their skills in the long run ended up with robotic surgery because of its greater accuracy, and flexibility than traditional laparoscopic surgery.
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Types of robotic surgery procedures available in India
- Gynaecology: Robotic-assisted gynecologic surgeries, like hysterectomies and myomectomies, are broadly offered in India. These surgeries remarkably cut healing time and the risk of complications, making them suitable for both local and international patients.
- Urology Surgery: Robotic urology surgeries, specifically prostatectomies for cancer patients, are gaining acceptance in India. Robotic systems support surgeons in maintaining surrounding nerves and tissues, which is crucial for reducing post-operative side effects.
- Oncology: Robotic systems help oncologists to take out cancerous tumours with accuracy, which is especially beneficial in colorectal, gynecologic, and head and neck cancers. It’s an exceedingly effective way to remove tumours while conserving surrounding healthy tissues.
- Cardiac surgery: Robotic-assisted cardiac surgeries permit for minimally invasive heart surgeries, like mitral valve repairs, atrial septal defect repair, coronary artery bypass, and among others. The robotic platform gives surgeons with a 3D magnified view of the heart, improving precision.
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Why India is a Popular Destination for Robotic Surgery?
- Medical tourism and robotic surgery: India has emerged as a leading and popular destination for medical tourism, enticing a large number of international patients looking for first-rate healthcare at a reasonable cost. The combination of certified hospitals, trained professional doctors, and the availability of advanced robotic surgery techniques has made India an admired alternative for anyone searching for robotic surgical procedures.
- Profitability: Robotic surgery is reasonably priced in India compared to that in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Singapore, among other places. Every year, more overseas patients visit India for robotic surgery. A single robotic surgery in India costs between USD 2,000 and $15,800, while the same in the United States costs over USD 2,000,000.
- Skilled surgeons and state-of-the-art technology: India has a large pool of particularly skilled and knowledgeable surgeons trained in advanced robotic techniques, and several Indian hospitals are equipped with cutting-edge robotic systems and infrastructure compared to international standards.
- Medical tourism facilitation: India has a well-developed medical tourism industry. It provides diverse support services to international patients, including travel arrangements, visa assistance, and interpreter services.
- Minimal waiting time: Robotic surgery methods in countries like the U.S. and Canada often have long waiting periods. In contrast, Indian hospitals can offer expedited scheduling, allowing patients to enjoy timely treatment and, in cases of severe health issues, definitely life-saving interventions.
Key Hospitals Offering Robotic Surgery in India
Many top hospitals have incorporated robotic surgery into their treatment services. Some of these include:
- AIIMS, Delhi: India’s premier government hospital and research institution performs different robotic surgeries. AIIMS, Delhi also became the first institute to own a surgical robot in 2000.
- PSG Hospital Coimbatore: A recent report says 10 robotic surgeries were done within 24 hours in PSG Hospital, an immense achievement for India’s first hospital. With up-to-date robotic technology and committed, proficient doctors, they prove to be the best hospital for robotic surgery in India.
- Apollo Hospitals (various cities): Known for their modern robotic facilities across specialities. Apollo Hospitals has long been at the forefront of medical innovation, and its work in colorectal surgery is no exception. The newest clinical results from the Apollo Rectal Cancer (ARC) project, which is situated within the Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, have surpassed global benchmarks.
- Fortis Hospitals (different branches): Offer robotic-assisted cardiac, urology, gynaecology, and general surgeries.
- Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai: Pioneering robotic surgery in oncology, gynaecology, and urology.
- Narayana Health, Bangalore: Offers robotic surgeries, particularly in cardiac and orthopaedic fields with a variety of surgical mechanisms including Da Vinci surgical system and Mako robotic system.
- Max Healthcare: Max Healthcare’s Max Institute of Robotic Surgery offers the country’s largest robotic surgery programs. They use a variety of robotic surgery systems like da Vinci, Renaissance Robotic Technology, and Smith+Nephew’s CORI Surgical System.
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Robotic surgery in India is not only reanalysing medical treatment for domestic patients but also placing the country as a premier destination for international medical tourism. Merging world-class technology with cost-effective healthcare, Indian hospitals offer an exceptional advantage for international patients looking for advanced, minimally invasive surgery.
