Sakra World Hospital, a pioneering healthcare facility in India funded entirely by foreign direct investment (FDI), has successfully completed 100 robotic gastrointestinal (GI) surgeries. In the medical field, robotic-assisted surgical procedures are steadily on the rise. The increasing acceptance of robotic surgeries can be attributed to their accuracy, minimally invasive techniques, and capacity to improve surgical outcomes. With a group of skilled surgeons and cutting-edge facilities, Sakra World Hospital has become a pioneer in leveraging this technology to help patients suffering from gastrointestinal surgical issues.

Robotic-assisted surgery enables the performance of intricate procedures across a wide spectrum, including colorectal cancers, benign and malignant conditions of liver, biliary system, and pancreas, apart from complex hernia repairs, gallbladder removals, and abdominal wall reconstruction. With a focus on less trauma and greater precision in these surgical interventions, Sakra tremendously benefits patients specializing in upper gastrointestinal surgeries, such as giant hiatal hernias, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Heller’s myotomy, and even uncommon conditions like median arcuate ligament syndrome.

“We take immense pride in reaching a significant milestone in robotic GI surgeries, underscoring the skill and commitment of our proficient surgical team,” lauded Lovekesh Phasu, Chief Operating Officer, Sakra World Hospital, Bengaluru, adding, “At Sakra, we’re committed to setting high standards and achieving them, to benefit our patients and provide quality healthcare for all.”

The application of robot-assisted technologies has greatly improved surgical capabilities in GI surgeries. These systems are operated directly by surgeons, in contrast to autonomous systems, which enable careful dissection around target organs. Although laparoscopic surgery provides benefits such as accurate dissection under high-resolution imaging and minimally invasive procedures, it has limitations due to the limited dexterity of the instruments. These limitations are overcome by the existing robotic system’s articulated instruments, vibration filtering, and motion scaling functions. These capabilities allow surgeons to perform more versatile surgeries than they could with the standard laparoscopic equipment.

Moreover, the robotic system’s instruments with wrist-like movements and dexterity assures delicate tissue handling and precision surgery with minimal bleeding. This capability, coupled with three-dimensional magnified, enhanced imaging, provides a platform wherein complex procedures in critical places and organs can be safely performed. Through these innovations, robotics surgery in the gastrointestinal realm continues to push boundaries, enhancing surgical precision and expanding treatment options for patients.

Robotic GI surgery has emerged as a reassuring alternative to traditional methods, dispelling common fears. The robotic system not only provides surgeons with better visualization and precision, but the patient also benefits from smaller incisions, less blood loss, quicker recovery, and reduced post-operative pain.

“The completion of 100 robotic GI surgeries at Sakra World Hospital not only marks a numerical achievement, but also serves as evidence of the hospital’s steadfast dedication to delivering top-notch care to its patients,” remarked Dr Sadiq Saleem Sikora, Director of Gastrointestinal Surgery and Liver Transplantation at Sakra World Hospital, Bengaluru.