Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre (RGCIRC) has reached a landmark achievement with the successful completion of a clinical trial on telesurgery using the SSI Mantra Surgical Robotic System. This trial involved six surgical procedures including the first surgery done on a patient with urinary bladder carcinoma followed by nephrectomy, hysterectomy and cystectomy showcasing telesurgery as a safe and effective medical practice.
The trial was conducted by a team of expert surgeons led by Dr Sudhir Rawal, Medical Director and Chief of Genito-Uro Oncology at RGCIRC along with Dr Vandana Jain, Dr Amitabh Singh and Dr Ashish Khanna. The procedures were executed with no technical issues or surgical complications reinstating that telesurgery can meet the high standards of traditional operating rooms.
RGCIRC and SS Innovations have a longstanding partnership aimed at enhancing access to high-quality healthcare across India. RGCIRC has played a crucial role in developing the SSI Mantra robotic system, providing essential clinical feedback to refine the technology.
An advantage 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 on travel costs for medical professionals but also lowers hospitalisation expenses for patients by improving access to high-quality care remotely. This approach will greatly enhance access to specialised medical care, particularly in tier 2 and tier 3 cities, making advanced surgical procedures more accessible and affordable.