Doctors and robots form dynamic team;

Government Cancer Hospital earns new identity through robotic surgery

Lokmat News Network

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:

The fight against cancer is now no longer dependent solely on human hands, but on the precise coordination between doctors and robotic technology. After conducting its first robotic surgery on February 25, 2025, the Government Cancer Hospital (State Cancer Institute) has created a new milestone in cancer treatment by successfully performing robotic surgeries on 82 cancer patients within a year.

About a year ago, a ‘Robotic Surgical System with Accessories’ worth Rs 32 crore was installed in the gynaecologic oncology department of the Government Cancer Hospital. In February last year, a robotic hysterectomy was performed on a 42-year-old woman, marking the hospital’s first robotic surgery. Since then, the number of such procedures in the department has steadily increased and is now approaching the 100th.

Under the guidance of dean Dr Shivaji Sukre, officer on special duty Dr Arvind Gaikwad, and state cancer care project advisor Dr Kailas Sharma, the team including head of gynaecologic oncology department Dr Archana Rathod, Dr Bhakti Kalyankar, Dr Narendra Patil, Dr Shrikrishna Chavan, Dr Kaneez Fatema, Dr Jyoti Kodgire, Dr Shagufta Fatema, Dr Nandini Obulareddy, Dr Shruti Mishra, Dr Kavita Kanse, anaesthetists Dr Rashmi Bangali and Dr Deepak Kokane, along with staff nurses, have been actively involved in robotic surgeries.

Benefits of robotic surgery:

—- Conventional surgery requires an incision of at least 20 cm, whereas robotic surgery is performed through very small openings.

— Patients typically need to stay in hospital for at least eight days after conventional surgery; with robotic procedures, they can return home on the second or third day.

— Blood transfusion is usually not required in robotic surgery.

— Smaller incisions significantly reduce the risk of infection.

— Robotic procedures can be performed with a smaller medical team.

Treatment becomes more comfortable and less painful

Cancer patients are often already in a weakened state and must undergo surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Robotic surgery, performed through smaller incisions, helps make cancer treatment more comfortable and less painful. Patients can recover faster, regain independence and manage their own care sooner.

— Dr Archana Rathod, head, gynaecological oncology department, Government Cancer Hospital

(Photos:1. During robotic surgery.

2. Head of the department Dr Archana Rathod)