Robot-Assisted Cancer Surgery Unit Launched in Apollo Proton Cancer Centre

April 2021, Chennai: Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, the first Proton Therapy Centre in South Asia & The Middle East today announced the launch of its dedicated Robot-Assisted Cancer Surgery Unit. The Robot-Assisted Cancer Surgery Unit will offer patients with comprehensive cancer care under one roof. Apollo Proton Cancer Centre also completed its first robotic procedure today on a 40 year old patient. The unit is equipped with the advanced fourth-generation ‘Da Vinci Surgical System’ and a dedicated team, led by Dr. Ajit Pai, Senior Consultant and Lead surgeon, GI Oncology.

The Apollo Institute of Robotic Surgery offers specialized 360 degree care with the most advanced robotics system for complex surgeries. This advancement improves recovery from major operations, reduces instances of infections, increases the precision of surgery and reduces the patient’s length of stay at the facility. Robotic Surgery at Apollo Proton Cancer Centre is built on the same platform of excellence and expertise. We are committed to providing patients with an exceptional experience using cutting-edge treatment options.

The state-of-the-art operating theatres are equipped with the ‘Da Vinci Surgical System’, the most advanced platform for minimally invasive surgery available today. The four-armed surgical robotic system is a breakthrough in surgical technology and is a crucial component of our integrated cancer care program. Robot-assisted surgery integrates advanced computer technology with the experience of skilled surgeons. This technology provides the surgeon with a 10x magnified, high definition, 3D-image of the body’s intricate anatomy. The controls in the console allow the surgeon to manipulate special surgical instruments that are smaller, as well as more flexible and maneuverable than the human hand. The surgeon is thus in complete control of the surgical procedure. The robot helps replicate the surgeon’s hand movements while minimizing hand tremors. The surgery is thus conducted with enhanced precision, dexterity, and control even during the most complex procedures.
Dr. Ajit Pai, Senior Consultant, Lead GI Surgical Oncologist and Robotic surgeon, Apollo Hospitals and his team successfully completed the first robotic surgery at the new unit in Apollo Proton Cancer Centre treating a patient from Bangladesh who was diagnosed with colon cancer. The patient after a radical cancer operation, was discharged uneventfully within 48 hours. Dr. Ajit Pai and team demonstrated how robotic surgery is performed straight from the operating room.
Speaking during the press meet Dr. Ajit Pai, Senior Consultant, Lead GI Surgical Oncologist and Robotic surgeon, Apollo Hospitals, said, “The major advantages of Robotic Surgery are , Less damage to healthy tissue, Reduced risk of wound infection, Minimal blood loss during surgery, Faster return of urinary continence and sexual function (for pelvic cancer surgeries), Quicker return of bowel movement, Reduced hospital stay, Faster recovery, Less pain and Less visible scars. The operation is as radical and, in some instances, even more radical than open surgery due to enhanced vision and instrument ergonomics. Apollo Proton Cancer Centres offers end to end cancer care and has the high end technology in cancer management under one roof.”

The Robotic assisted surgery has its own advantage compared to the open or laparoscopic surgeries. The da Vinci system enables surgeons to perform delicate procedures like rectal cancer, esophageal cancer, gynaecological and prostate cancer surgeries while preserving the nerve fibers and blood vessels surrounding the affected organ. This is because of the enhanced precision and control offered by the system. The superior vision that the robotics field offers enables surgeons to clearly differentiate between tissue planes, and perform precise tumour removal. The da Vinci system allows better cancer clearance, while still preserving the healthy tissue, by scaling the surgeon’s movements.
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