Growing trend of robotic surgery in India – Know how the world of surgery is changing
Many years ago, if someone needed an operation, he would get scared just thinking about it – a big incision will be made, there will be a lot of bleeding, there will be pain, and then a long rest and recovery period. But now times have changed. Now robotic technology has also joined the operation along with human hands. Today, robotic surgery is quickly gaining ground in major hospitals across India. It extends not only the ambit of surgery that doctors can carry out but also the patient’s recovery rate after surgery.
Let us attempt understanding what robotic surgery is, its status in India, and how it aids the patients.
What is Robotic Surgery?
Robotic surgery, as the name suggests, is a process in which the surgeon performs the operation with the help of a special robotic machine. This does not mean that the robot does the surgery on its own. Rather, the surgeon controls that robotic equipment through a console or machine.
This system has small arms fitted with cameras and micro instruments. These arms replicate every movement of the doctor with utmost accuracy, but with much more stability and control.
Current Adoption Trends in India
Starting in big cities
At present, robotic surgery is being used mostly in private hospitals in big cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Chennai. There is also the capacity to invest in technology here and there are also patients who are willing to spend a little more for better technology.
In which diseases is it being used?
Robotic surgery is being used in many medical specialties, such as:
- Urology: Treatment of prostate cancer or kidney tumors.
- Gynecology: Surgery related to uterus, such as removal of fibroids.
- Orthopedics: Joint replacement surgery.
- General Surgery and Oncology: Surgery of stomach, liver, and colon cancer.
Example:
Institutions like AIIMS, Delhi, Tata Memorial, Mumbai, and Manipal Hospitals, Bangalore have made robotic surgery a part of their regular treatment.
Benefits of Robotic Surgery
Now the question arises – when surgery is done by the doctor’s hands, then what is the need for a robot?
Actually, robotic surgery increases the capabilities of the doctor manifold.
1. Extreme precision
The movement of the robot is very subtle and stable. With this, the surgeon can make cuts or stitches very precisely.
It helps a lot especially where the tissues are delicate.
2. Small incision, quick recovery
Minimally invasive technology is used in robotic surgery, that is, very small incisions are made.
This:
- There is less bleeding
- There is less pain
- There is less risk of infection
- The patient can get up and move around quickly
3. 3-D and high definition view
The camera installed in the robotic system shows a 3D, high definition view of the area to be operated.
This allows the doctor to see every organ clearly, which reduces the chances of error.
4. Fewer complications, better results
Many studies have proved that robotic surgery has fewer complications than traditional surgery.
Patients have to stay in the hospital for fewer days, which also reduces expenses.
Challenges Faced in Robotic Surgery
Every new technology also comes with some obstacles. There are some things with robotic surgery too that cannot be ignored.
1. High cost
The cost of a robotic surgery system is several crores of rupees.
Along with this, the cost of maintenance, cleaning and regular servicing is also high.
This is the reason why it is not easy to implement it in small towns and government hospitals.
2. Need for special training
Just being a general surgeon is not enough to operate a robot.
For this, doctors have to undergo special training, which takes both time and resources.
The facility of this training is limited in India right now.
3. Lack of awareness among people
Many people still do not understand that in robotic surgery, the “robot” helps the doctor, does not replace him.
Due to misunderstandings, people are also afraid of this technology.
Future Prospects
Although robotic surgery is currently limited to a few select hospitals in India, this technology is going to become even more popular in the coming years.
1. Technological advancement will reduce the cost
As the technology improves and Made-in-India robotic systems are developed in India, its cost will gradually decrease.
2. Increasing number of training centers
Some major medical colleges and hospitals have now started training doctors in robotic surgery. This will train more surgeons and spread the technology.
3. Partnership of hospitals and tech companies
Now hospitals are taking this technology forward in collaboration with tech companies. This is increasing the participation of research, equipment development and experts.
Role of major hospitals (Notable Institutions)
1. Apollo Hospitals
The Apollo Hospitals group, spread across many cities in India, has rapidly adopted robotic surgery.
It is being successfully used here in cardiac, urological and cancer surgeries.
2. Fortis Healthcare
Fortis has not only purchased robots, but has also started training programs so that more surgeons can learn this technology.
3. Max Healthcare, AIIMS, Medanta
These institutions have cancer surgery, urology, and other surgical procedures. Robotic surgery is being done in complex cases like heart disease, and liver transplant.
Conclusion – The future of surgery in India
Now it would not be wrong to say that robotic surgery is not just a technology, but a revolutionary change. It not only increases the efficiency of the doctor, but also gives better and safer treatment to the patient.
Finally:
- If the challenges are addressed,
- surgeons are trained,
- and the technology is made more accessible,
then in the coming time, robotic surgery will become a common thing in every major hospital in India. This will provide fast, accurate and comfortable treatment to patients across the country.
