By -Dr. Kanika Sharma
By -January 18, 2024In the Sushruta Samhita, Sushruta states that a great surgeon is someone who has the courage, presence of mind, sweat-free hand, tremor-free grasp of sharp and good instruments, and the ability to carry out operations to the satisfaction of the patient who has trusted the surgeon with his life. The age-old wisdom of Sushruta remains valid, despite the fact that robotic arms are gradually taking the place of surgeons' tremor-free hands.
Because of robotic technology's enhanced ergonomics, motion scaling, and tremor filtration, surgeons are now more capable of performing complex surgeries even after a certain age. In a nation like India, where there is a constant need for surgeons, it is especially advantageous.
Robotic surgery, also known as robot-assisted surgery, enables surgeons to perform a wide range of intricate surgeries with greater accuracy, flexibility, and control than traditional techniques. Robotic surgery is commonly associated with minimally invasive surgery, which involves surgeries executed through small incisions. It is also used in certain traditional open surgical procedures.
The most common clinical robotic surgical system consists of a camera arm and mechanical arms with surgical instruments affixed to them. The surgeon operates the arms while sitting at a computer console near the surgical table. The console provides the surgeon with a high-resolution, magnified 3D view of the surgical site. The surgeon directs the other teammates who assist with the operation using those images.
When compared to traditional techniques, surgeons who use robotic systems report that they have improved control, precision, and flexibility during many procedures and have a better view of the surgical site. Surgeons can carry out intricate and delicate procedures with robotic surgery that would be challenging or impossible to accomplish with other techniques.
Minimally invasive surgery can often be rendered possible by robotic surgery. Minimally invasive surgery has the following advantages:
Complex procedures can be completed precisely and successfully with the help of robotic surgery. There are complex mechanisms involved in many diseases. Robotic surgery helps the surgeon maintain control and flexibility in such circumstances. To get the best results, many Indian doctors now use robotically assisted surgery. Following are the procedures that can be performed using robotic systems:
Nearly every medical specialty is utilizing the latest advancements in robotic surgery. Robots are being used successfully in surgical specialties such as urology, cardiology, and gynecology. There are innate advantages to robotic surgery as research indicates that this technology is both safe and efficient when compared to conventional surgical techniques. However, success rates for some robotically assisted surgeries range from 94% to 100%.
A large number of cases, standardization of all surgical procedures, and recurrent exposure to the same disease are necessary for any surgical programme to be successful. These factors reinforce the strict management protocols and guarantee the economical and efficient use of resources. Despite being a significant social concern, India's alarmingly high population growth means that a single surgeon is accountable for treating a very high patient load. For most robotic surgeons, this high patient load has come out as a blessing in disguise. As this has resulted in an early summit of the learning curve and plenty of opportunities for continued education.
Over 12,800 robotic surgeries have been executed in the past 12 years with robotic assistance. As more robotic surgeons receive training and as other surgical specialties use this platform with greater frequency, the numbers are expected to rise. The pattern indicates that robotic surgery has been and will continue to grow rapidly and significantly in India.
Although robotic surgeries may take center stage and become commonplace in all medical specialties in the near future, there is currently insufficient evidence to support the safety, efficacy, and advantages of robotically assisted surgeries over traditional surgeries in terms of long-term survival.
India received its first urologic robotic installation in 2006 at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, following the US FDA's 2000 approval of the da Vinci system. The next ten years in India witnessed an unparalleled rise in the use of robotic surgery.
As of July 2019, our nation had 66 centers and 71 robotic installations, housing over 500 skilled robotic surgeons. Over 12,800 surgeries have been carried out in the past 12 years with robotic assistance. As more robotic surgeons receive training and as other surgical specialties use this platform more frequently, the numbers should rise. According to data, it is suggested that the rise of robotic surgery in India will be rapid and huge in the coming years.
The multidisciplinary application of robotic surgery presents an opportunity to lower the maintenance cost associated with it, making it significantly more cost-effective, as other specialties in India which gradually come to accept the role of this technology. Due to its abundance of top-notch doctors and surgeons who can provide care on par with that of any Western country, as well as its friendly people, affordable prices, and short wait times, India is a popular destination for patients from around the globe. India currently has a $2 billion USD medical tourism industry. The availability of robotic surgery would draw in more overseas patients who might need both nonrobotic and robotic surgical procedures.
Following are the factors affecting the cost of robotic surgery in India:
India is well known for offering excellent healthcare at reasonable prices. The medical tourism sector in India offers excellent local and international medical care for around 60–70% less than what is typically charged in most Western countries. In India, the cost of robotic surgery in India can range from INR 1,42,000 ($1715) to 11,00,000 ($13300).
| Type | USA | UK | India | Thailand | Singapore |
| Head and Neck | $35,000 | $28,000 | $6,000 | $7,500 | $9,000 |
| Gynecology | $30,000 | $24,000 | $5,500 | $7,000 | $8,000 |
| Cardiothoracic | $40,000 | $32,000 | $7,000 | $8,000 | $9,500 |
| Abdominal | $25,000 | $20,000 | $5,000 | $6,500 | $7,500 |
Medflick provides access to realistic healthcare cost comparisons, medical counseling, real-life bookings, and hospital assistance. It facilitates you to:
Which hospital in India has robotic surgery?
The following are a few of the hospitals for robotic surgery in India: The Fortis Gurgaon Hospital, Artemis Hospital, Gurugram, Manipal Hospitals, Bangalore, and many more
How much does robotic surgery cost in India?
In India, the cost of robotic surgery can range from INR 1,42,000 ($1715) to 11,00,000 ($13300).
What is the success rate of robotic surgery in India?
Success rates for some robotically assisted surgeries range from 94% to 100%.
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