The machines are precise and can make smaller incisions with minimal blood loss. They can also access areas in the human body that were previously harder to reach or operate on. In the fight against cancer, a disease that can affect any cell, robots are fast becoming indispensable allies for doctors.
Nationwide, an increasing number of oncologists are recommending robotic oncosurgeries for near-total tumor removal and better patient recovery.
Robotic systems at hospitals have also helped India keep its important place on the global medical tourism map, a sector that generated $3 billion in revenue in 2022.
“One of the most important advantages is that robots help preserve important nerves during cancer surgery,” said Dr. Sumit Shah, a Pune-based surgical oncologist and founder of Prolife Cancer Centre and Research Institute.
“This ability stands out during treatment of rectal cancer. More and more sphincter-saving surgeries are now being performed where nerves vital for sexual function are preserved. This was not possible earlier with traditional surgeries,” Dr. Shah said.
He added that previously most surgeries for rectal cancer would result in permanent removal of the anus, along with loss of sexual function.
“That’s because nerves were damaged. But robotic surgical systems are helping us avoid them,” he said. Dr. Shah added that machines have also improved procedures for esophageal and other head and neck cancers.
In Assam, where consumption of tobacco is now a public health crisis—the state has an average tobacco consumption rate of 48.2% compared to the national average of 28.6%—the State Cancer Institute (SCI) in Guwahati was recently equipped with robotic surgical systems, and doctors there are hoping for positive results.
Dr. Mridul Kumar Sharma, associate professor at the SCI’s head and neck oncology department, said robotic assistance may help them reach areas at the base of the tongue, vocal cords, etc.
“Which was difficult earlier. This system would be of great benefit to a lot of cancer patients,” he said.
Dr. Sharma added: “The chances of complete removal of the tumor or as we say achieving ‘R0’ is higher in robotic surgery as the entire cell is removed.”
Dr. Subramanyeshwar Rao, president-elect of the Indian Association of Surgical Oncology, said: “When robot-assisted laparoscopic surgeries first made their way into onco surgeries, both surgeons and patients benefited, by a lot. Robotic surgeries help access narrow areas which is extremely difficult during an open surgery or sometimes in a laparoscopic surgery.”
Robotic systems have also generally sped up cancer treatment, specialists said.
“In robotic surgeries, damage or trauma to adjoining tissue and muscles can be avoided, which means patients can undergo follow-up treatments of chemotherapy or radiation faster. Overall, cancer treatment in these cases can be completed quicker compared to laparoscopic or open surgery,” said Dr. Surendra Dabas, HoD, surgical oncology and robotic surgery at Delhi’s BLK-Max Hospital.
“Let’s also remember that robotic surgeries see much fewer complications than other forms of surgery,” he said.
