Apollo completes 55 hands off surgeries

CHENNAI: In less than six months since its formal launch, Apollo Institute of Robotic Surgery has completed 55 surgeries. Not only is this an accomplishment for the hospital network, it is also an indicator of the future of surgical practice in the country. The surgeries have been in the areas of gynaecology, urology, oncology, general and bariatric surgery. With the use of the state-of-the-art ‘da Vinci Robotic System’, Apollo Hospitals has successfully completed 55 complicated surgeries. With more patients opting for robotically assisted surgery, the institute is planning to expand its reach into cardiac, and head and neck surgeries, said Apollo Hospitals chairman Dr Prathap C Reddy.This minimally invasive surgery has integrated advanced technology with computer enhanced platforms and surgical skills to improve efficiency, precision and safety. Less blood loss, faster recovery with less pain and scarring, less tissue trauma make robotic surgery preferable to conventional surgical procedure.Complicated surgical tasks beyond the limitations of the human hand are successfully treated using EndoWrist instruments attached to robotic arms controlled by a surgeon. Though the robot cannot conduct a single movement on its own, it is primed to carry out several safety checks per second.Robotic surgery is the best treatment for patients with obesity and diabetes in addition to those who require complex surgical procedures and for patients who have undergone multiple surgeries.Dr Reddy said, “Robotic surgery is developing fast in India. There is a need to spread awareness on the benefits of robotic surgery which will help patients across all regions.”