AIIMS Delhi has achieved a significant milestone by completing 1,000 robotic surgeries. This accomplishment demonstrates the growing adoption of robotic surgery in India within the public health sector. Dr. Hemanga K. Bhattacharjee led the first procedure in November 2024. Currently, the hospital offers these advanced procedures without any additional cost to patients. This technological shift represents a major leap in how surgeons perform complex operations.

The Advantages of Robotic surgery in India

Robotic surgery in India offers several key advantages over conventional techniques. Firstly, the surgeon operates from a specialized console that provides a highly magnified, three-dimensional view. Consequently, this enhanced visibility allows for extreme precision during delicate procedures. Secondly, robotic arms eliminate hand tremors and provide greater flexibility than human wrists. Furthermore, patients often experience less pain, reduced bleeding, and much faster recovery times. These benefits are particularly significant for pelvic surgeries and cancer operations.

Expanding Access in the Public Sector

Historically, high installation and maintenance costs limited the expansion of robotic systems. However, AIIMS Delhi provides these robotic-assisted surgeries for free to its patients. Notably, private hospitals usually charge several lakh rupees for the same advanced procedures. Although AIIMS currently has one robot in the surgical department, they select cases carefully. Dr. Bhattacharjee noted that while AIIMS leads the way, high costs remain a major barrier for other public hospitals. Therefore, they prioritize patients who will benefit the most from this advanced technology.

Training the Next Generation of Surgeons

The program also focuses heavily on training the next generation of Indian surgeons. Resident doctors now undergo extensive training on dedicated robotic systems at the hospital. AIIMS recently installed a second training robot to enhance this educational initiative. Looking forward, experts believe artificial intelligence might soon assist in certain surgical tasks. Nevertheless, it will take time before such automated systems become part of routine surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What are the main benefits of robotic surgery?

The technology offers enhanced precision, less post-operative pain, and faster recovery times compared to traditional open surgery.

Q2: Which robotic system is used at AIIMS Delhi?

AIIMS Delhi primarily uses the da Vinci robotic surgical system for its clinical procedures and training programs.

Q3: Is robotic surgery expensive for patients at AIIMS?

No, AIIMS Delhi performs robot-assisted surgeries free of additional cost to patients in the public health sector.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice or replace professional judgment. Refer to the latest local and national guidelines for clinical practice.

References

1. 1,000 robotic surgeries at AIIMS Delhi, but ‘miles to go’, says doctor whostarted it - ETHealthworld


2. AIIMS Delhi installs da Vinci robot to train doctors in robotic surgery - Hindustan Times


3. Robotic-Assisted Surgeries In India: Cost, Benefits, and What to Expect - Sohana Hospital