Apollo Cancer Centre Performs 1st Robotic Surgery for Peritoneal Surface Cancer

The procedure was performed on a 51-year-old female patient diagnosed with bilateral ovarian masses.

The surgical oncologists at Apollo Cancer Centre (ACC) have performed India's first Robotic Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS) with Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) for peritoneal surface cancer.

Reportedly, this minimally invasive, robotic-assisted procedure offers patients a new standard of care along with faster recovery and improved quality of life.

Dr Ajit Pai, senior consultant, Surgical Oncology and Robotic Surgery, Apollo Cancer Centre, Chennai, spearheaded this initiative along with his team.

The procedure was performed on a 51-year-old female patient diagnosed with bilateral ovarian masses.

Following extensive surgical intervention, including the removal of the uterus, ovaries, appendix, and part of the omentum, histopathological examination revealed a high-grade mucinous tumor of the appendix with pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP), necessitating further surgery.

Due to the unique tendency of appendix cancer to spread to the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum), Dr Pai and his team opted for minimally invasive Robotic Cytoreductive Surgery.

This involved right hemicolectomy, complete mesocolic excision, peritonectomy, and total omentectomy, combined with Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) to eliminate any possible microscopic residual tumors inside the abdomen.

Advantages of Robotic CRS with HIPEC

Traditionally, CRS/HIPEC has been performed as an open and extensive operation, resulting in prolonged hospitalization. However, the robotic approach offers significant advantages, including minimal invasiveness and reduced post-operative morbidity.

With tiny incisions for robotic instruments, patients experience minimized pain, blood loss, scarring, and discomfort. Additionally, a single 5 cm incision was used for tumor removal and the delivery of HIPEC, leading to faster recovery and a quicker return to everyday life for the patient.

According to Dr Pai, Robotic CRS offers a transformative approach, with reduced post-operative morbidity and quicker recovery. He highlighted the method as a viable choice for patients battling peritoneal surface cancers, including those from ovarian, colonic, and gastric malignancies.

Sharing thoughts, Dinesh Madhavan, president of Group Oncology and International, Apollo Hospitals Enterprises, said, "Robotics is revolutionizing cancer care, offering unparalleled precision and minimal invasiveness. At ACC, we leverage this technology to enhance treatment outcomes, reduce recovery times, and provide our patients with the most advanced therapies available today. This is India's first novel approach (robotic CRS and HIPEC) by our exceptional clinical team for treating peritoneal surface cancers is yet another testament to our unwavering commitment in providing patients with the best-in-class treatment."

Dr Preetha Reddy, executive VC, Apollo Hospitals Enterprises, stressed the importance of technology, innovation, and clinical expertise in delivering unparalleled clinical excellence at ACC.

With an estimated incidence of 1 to 4 cases per million annually, pseudomyxoma peritonei presents a challenging diagnosis. With robotic surgical techniques for peritoneal surface cancers, ACC aims to provide the best possible care to patients battling complex cancers, particularly appendix cancer.