This is a question I’m often asked, so I’m writing to share what robotic surgery truly means and how far surgical techniques have advanced over time.
First, let me share a milestone: in 2017, we became the first in the rest of Maharashtra to adopt robotic surgery for treatment of obesity. Since then, we’ve expanded its use to many procedures, such as hernia repairs and fundoplication, where its precision significantly improves outcomes.
A Journey Through Surgical Evolution
Decades ago, open surgery was the standard. It required large incisions, leading to longer hospital stays and recovery periods that could last weeks or even months. While effective, it placed a significant strain on the body.
Then came laparoscopic surgery—a revolutionary approach in the late 20th century. Known as “keyhole surgery,” it replaced large incisions with small ones, just 0.5–1 cm wide. Surgeons operated using a tiny camera and instruments inserted through these small openings, with the procedure guided by a screen.
The benefits were transformative:
Minimal scarring and bleeding.
Reduced damage to surrounding tissues.
Shorter hospital stays.
Faster recovery—patients could often go home the next day and resume normal activities within weeks instead of months.
This leap in surgical precision and patient recovery was akin to moving from a manual typewriter to a computer—still hands-on but vastly more efficient.
Enter Robotic Surgery
And now, technology has taken us further. Robotic surgery builds upon the strengths of laparoscopy while addressing its limitations.
But let’s clarify: robotic surgery doesn’t mean a robot operates on its own. It’s still the surgeon performing the procedure, but with the aid of an advanced surgical tool. Think of it as upgrading from a computer to a state-of-the-art smartphone with AI capabilities.
Robotic systems offer several unparalleled advantages:
Greater Precision: Robotic instruments can bend and rotate far beyond the range of human hands, allowing surgeons to perform intricate maneuvers, such as stitching tissues with millimeter-level accuracy.
Enhanced Visualization: Unlike the flat 2D screens in laparoscopy, robotic systems provide a high-definition, 3D view, offering depth perception that simulates being inside the body.
Stability: The system filters out even the smallest hand tremors, ensuring steady, precise movements.
Accessibility: It enables surgeons to reach deep or hard-to-access areas with ease.
For patients, this translates into:
Less pain and fewer complications.
Faster procedures and recovery times.
Better overall outcomes and quicker returns to daily life.
For example, during a hernia repair, robotic arms can create stronger, more accurate repairs, resulting in superior long-term results compared to traditional methods.
A Blessing for Surgeons and Patients
These innovations benefit both surgeons and patients alike. Just as surgeons continue to evolve with advancements in technology, so does patient care. Robotic surgery is a shining example of how technology can enhance precision, efficiency, and outcomes in medicine.
The future of surgery is here, and it’s exciting to be part of this transformative journey.