How robotic surgery is transforming women's health in India
"Dr Rooma Sinha, Honorary Professor and Chief Gynaecologist at Apollo Health City and one of the lead authors of the study, underlines the key value of robotic-assisted surgery: precision. 'Robotic-assisted surgery is increasingly being used to manage benign gynaecological conditions such as fibroids and endometriosis, offering enhanced outcomes across a wide range of cases,' she said. This precision is particularly important in surgeries involving fertility preservation, such as myomectomy—the removal of fibroids while keeping the uterus intact.FASTER RECOVERY, LESS BLOOD LOSS, FEWER COMPLICATIONSadvertisementAcross hospitals, the data echoed similar global findings: robotic-assisted procedures resulted in reduced blood loss, shorter hospital stays, and quicker recoveries. These improvements are especially valuable in the Indian healthcare context, where many patients travel long distances for treatment. 'We were able to keep blood loss low and recovery times short—even for large fibroids or complex cases,' said Dr Sinha, who also serves as the Founder-President of the Association of Gynaecological Robotic Surgeons.CONSISTENT RESULTS REGARDLESS OF BODY TYPEThe study also found that BMI (Body Mass Index) had no significant impact on surgical outcomes, meaning that RAS can be equally effective across a wide range of body types. Additionally, improved surgical workflows—like shorter docking times as teams gained experience—also contributed to more efficient and safe surgeries.KEY CONDITIONS TREATED USING ROBOTIC SURGERYAmong the most common conditions treated using RAS wereFibroids (Myomas)EndometriosisAdenomyosisVault prolapseOvarian cystsThese often require intricate dissection and suturing, making robotic assistance especially beneficial. 'Advanced robotic platforms like da Vinci give us better visualisation and control, which makes a real difference in such complex surgeries,' explained Dr Subhas C. Saha, Professor at PGIMER.WORKING TOWARDS ACCESSIBLE AND AFFORDABLE RASDespite the benefits, cost and insurance coverage remain major hurdles. However, surgeons are working on refining procedures to lower costs, such as using fewer robotic arms and adopting multifunctional tools. 'There is a strong case for insurers to expand coverage,' Dr Saha added. 'More streamlined reimbursement policies can help ensure that advanced care becomes accessible to a broader population.'advertisementAs robotic surgery continues to evolve and become more mainstream, it is poised to play a pivotal role in the future of women's healthcare in India. Its benefits—faster recovery, fewer complications, and precision—align with the needs of today's patients. With improved access and affordability, robotic-assisted gynaecological surgery could soon become the standard of care, delivering better outcomes for women across the country.
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Time of India
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