Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute Performs India's 1st Telesurgery for Cancer Care

The surgery was completed in one hour and forty-five minutes, a notable reduction in time compared to the three hours typically required for traditional open surgery.

The Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre (RGCIRC) claims to have successfully performed India's first cancer surgery via telesurgery, using advanced medical technology.

The surgery, led by Dr Sudhir Rawal, medical director at RGCIRC and Chief of Genital Urinary Oncology, represents a significant step forward in cancer care.

Dr Rawal performed the procedure remotely from the SSI Office in Udyog Vihar, Gurugram, using the SSI Mantra Robot, an Indian robotic system. The patient, a 54-year-old with urinary bladder cancer, was at the RGCIRC's Rohini Center in Delhi.

The surgery was completed in one hour and forty-five minutes, a notable reduction in time compared to the three hours typically required for traditional open surgery. The patient is currently stable and expected to be discharged within the week.

Dr Rawal emphasized the potential of such technology, stating, "These systems will be more compact, versatile, and equipped with advanced technologies. We anticipate even more developments in our robotic systems moving forward."

DS Negi, CEO of RGCIRC, commented on the significance of the telesurgery, stating, "This operation demonstrates our commitment to providing the best possible outcomes for our patients. We believe this advancement will enhance our efforts in cancer care."

Founded in 1996, the Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre (RGCIRC) is a non-profit medical facility and research institute located in Delhi, India, dedicated to cancer treatment and research. The institute provides highly specialized tertiary care services in Medical, Surgical, and Radiation Oncology, organized into dedicated teams focused on specific types of cancer.

The successful completion of this telesurgery highlights the potential of advanced medical technologies to improve patient care and efficiency in cancer treatment.

One such example of a breakthrough technology is the use of Apple Vision Pro in conducting surgeries.

Recently, Pristyn Care, in collaboration with Mohak Bariatrics and Robotics, conducted the world's inaugural live bariatric surgery using Apple Vision Pro. The procedure, led by Dr Mohit Bhandari, a bariatric and robotic surgeon, took place at an undisclosed hospital in New Delhi in just 40 minutes.

The Apple Vision Pro is an advanced augmented reality (AR) device that provides an immersive 3D environment, enabling precise visualization of complex anatomical structures.

Similarly, a team of surgeons at GEM Hospital, Chennai, leveraged the Apple Vision Pro headset to conduct over 30 laparoscopic surgeries, which include procedures for stomach cancer and gallbladder issues.

The surgeons reportedly achieved exceptional precision and comfort. This headset, designed for both professional and personal use, offers functionalities in a mixed-reality setting.