At a T.N. government hospital, a robotic surgery centre offers cancer patients precision surgery Premium

At a T.N. government hospital, a robotic surgery centre offers cancer patients precision surgery Premium

The Tamil Nadu Government Multi Super Speciality Hospital (TNGMSSH) at Omandurar Government Estate in Chennai, is home to the State’s first robotic surgery centre in the government sector. Within three years of its launch, more than 300 patients, including those diagnosed with cancers, have undergone robotic surgeries at the facility. It was on March 15, 2022, that Chief Minister M.K. Stalin inaugurated this facility, which was established at a cost of ₹34.60 crore.

D. Suresh Kumar, Professor of Surgical Oncology, TNGMSSH, says, “More than 300 surgeries have been performed at the centre. Of them, 50% are for cancers. Robotic surgeries can be done for all cancers. It is ideal for colorectal cancers, genitourinary cancers such as prostate cancers and cancers in the pelvic region, as well as gynaecological cancers. We have also operated on esophageal and lung cancers.”

Apart from surgical oncology, the Departments of Cardiothoracic Vascular Surgery, Urology and Endocrine Surgery have performed robotic surgeries. “Robotic surgeries are revolutionising the field of medicine. We have open surgeries and minimally invasive surgeries (keyhole surgeries), the latter comprising laparoscopic surgeries and robotic surgeries. Minimally invasive surgeries provide the benefits of less blood loss, no big scars and trauma, short hospitalisation, and early recovery. Robotic surgery, in itself, comes with a lot of advantages for patients and doctors. The robotic arm can move 360 degrees. There is higher magnification,” Dr. Suresh Kumar explains.

For an oncologist, removing the cancer-affected lymph nodes with precision is crucial, Dr. Suresh Kumar says, adding: “Through robotic surgery, we can access inaccessible areas such as the pelvic region. We can do precise surgery as magnification is better. While blood loss is less, tissue handling is much better in robotic surgery, and this reflects in early recovery. Hence, the impact on treatment outcome is good.”

Cancer is one of the priority areas as robotic surgery is very beneficial for cancer patients. “The oncologic principles are followed, and surgery should be indicated. Compared to open and laparoscopic surgery, robotic surgery comes with advantages such as lymph node harvesting and better staging,” he says.

Dr. Suresh Kumar says one doctor in each department was trained in performing robotic surgeries, and they in turn were training others. “Robotic surgery for any procedure done in a corporate hospital will cost a minimum of ₹5 lakh-₹7 lakh. It is performed free at TNGMSSH, which is the only government hospital in the State to offer robotic surgery. It is also the only State-run institution in the country to have the facility, apart from the Central government institutions,” he notes.

Deepthi P., Associate Professor of Anaesthesia, TNGMSSH, says this facility is a boon to patients. It facilitates early mobilisation and recovery after surgery. “Patients from all specialities posted for robotic surgeries are assessed and optimised preoperatively. We remain vigilant in continuously monitoring the patients during robotic surgery and review them in the post-operative period,” she says.