The Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre (RGCIRC) successfully completed a telesurgery clinical trial using the SSI Mantra Surgical Robotic System.
In a press statement on Friday, the cancer centre informed that the trial included six surgical procedures, starting with a patient suffering from urinary bladder carcinoma, followed by nephrectomy, hysterectomy, and cystectomy.
The trial was spearheaded by a team of expert surgeons led by Sudhir Rawal, Medical Director & Chief of Genito-Uro Oncology at RGCIRC, along with Vandana Jain, Amitabh Singh, and Ashish Khanna. The procedures were executed flawlessly, without any technical issues or surgical complications, reaffirming that telesurgery can meet the high standards of traditional operating rooms.
Sudhir Rawal highlighted RGCI's dedication to integrating cutting-edge technologies for patient benefit. “RGCIRC has partnered with SSI in leveraging advancements in medical technology to empower surgeons and transform surgical procedures, ensuring an experience on par with traditional operating room procedures. The success of these trials will help establish new medical procedures while democratising access to advanced healthcare services," he said.
The health experts further remarked that one of the most significant advantages of telesurgery is that super-specialists do not have to be physically present at the surgery location. Any qualified surgeon can manage the surgery in the operating theatre (OT) while the super-specialists perform the surgery remotely. This not only saves travel costs for medical professionals but also lowers hospitalisation expenses for patients by improving access to high-quality care remotely. This approach will significantly enhance access to specialised medical care, particularly in tier 2 and tier 3 cities, making advanced surgical procedures more accessible and affordable.
