Rise in gynaecological cancer underscores need for advancements in RAS

The robotic-gynaecological surgeons from India informed that India is currently experiencing a concerning rise in gynaecological cancers among younger women, underscoring an urgent need for spreading more awareness about preventive measures, the importance of early screening and enhanced adoption of advanced treatment options like robotic-assisted surgery. In response to this growing challenge, the Association of Gynaecological Robotic Surgeons of India (AGRS) aims to explore innovative advancements in robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) to improve the management of these complex cases and enhance patient outcomes. As a part of that, they are conducting an international conference, RoboGyn India 2024, in New Delhi. This event aims to bring together national and international experts in robotic-assisted surgery within gynaecology and gynaecological oncology.

While talking about the rising trend of gynaecological cancers, Dr Rama Joshi, Gynae-Onco robotic surgeon and the Organising Chairperson of RoboGyn India, said “We are seeing more incidences of endometrial cancer among young women in their early 30s, a condition traditionally seen in post-menopausal women. Rapid urbanisation and lifestyle changes in India, including sedentary habits, high-calorie diets, and increased stress levels, have significantly impacted women’s health”. 

While talking about the ways to tackle it, she said, “Regular check-ups and screenings play a critical role in the early detection and management of such gynaecological conditions. Any patient coming with excessive or irregular bleeding must be evaluated to exclude uterine cancer. These proactive health measures allow for the identification of potential issues before they progress to more severe stages, significantly improving treatment outcomes. Robotic-assisted surgery with advanced technologies like da Vinci has emerged as a crucial tool in addressing these complex cases. We could even save a woman in her early pregnancy with a complex ovarian tumour, without harming the foetus, by using this technology. However, we need more surgeons and other healthcare professionals to get trained on this technology, to make it available for all eligible patients across the country.”

The leaders from the gynaecological robotic surgeons’ forum also discussed obesity becoming a major public health concern in India. In obese patients, the surgical risk is very high. To reduce Morbidity, and extend the improved quality of life, the focus is changing to the use of technology. 

Dr Peter Lim, Medical Director, Center of Hope Robotic and Minimally Invasive Pelvic Surgery, and Clinical Associate Professor, University of Nevada Reno School of Medicine, USA, said “Robotic-assisted surgery offers numerous advantages in the management of gynaecological cancers, even in obese patients. The technology provides unparalleled precision, allowing for meticulous dissection and better visualisation of the surgical field. These benefits translate into reduced recovery times, fewer complications, and overall improved surgical outcomes.”

Dr Rooma Sinha,  President, AGRS, added, “A reason behind not being able to provide advanced surgical technologies to women across the country is the lack of enough trained RAS gynaecological surgeons in India. Through this association, we are trying to close this gap by introducing RAS to more surgeons. The foremost objective of this initiative is to train more surgeons on RAS and create a pathway towards achieving enhanced clinical outcomes for women.” 

Dr Tae Joong Kim, Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan Univ. School of Medicine, South Korea emphasised the need for integrating robotic surgery into medical education. “Incorporating robotic-assisted surgery into the postgraduate curriculum is imperative for preparing the next generation of surgeons. As robotic technology continues to evolve and become a standard in surgical practice, it is crucial that upcoming practitioners are well-trained in its use. By integrating robotic-assisted surgery into medical education, we can ensure that future surgeons are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to utilize this technology effectively. This approach will not only enhance their proficiency but also contribute to better patient care and surgical outcomes,” he said.