What are the Types of Robotic Surgery Available at HCG Mumbai

This article is medically reviewed by Dr. Yash Mathur, Consultant – Head, Neck & Oral Robotic Surgeon, HCG Cancer Centre, Borivali, Mumbai

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Types of Robotic Surgery Available at HCG Mumbai
• Head and Neck Cancer Surgery
• Thoracic Cancer Surgery
• Gastrointestinal Cancer Surgery
• Gynecological Cancer Surgery
• Orthopedic Cancer Surgery
• Urologic Surgery
• Neurosurgery
• Da Vinci X Surgical System for Robotic Surgery
• Advantages of da Vinci X Robotic Surgery System
• Conclusion
• Frequently Asked Questions
• References
• Author Bio

Introduction

Robotic surgery is a minimally invasive treatment approach that is recommended to treat different types of health conditions, including cancer.

Robotic surgery, or robot-assisted surgery, refers to the surgical approach that involves the use of a robot to reach and operate on any organ in the body. For cancer patients, robotic surgeries are recommended to remove the tumor or the cancer-affected organ with enhanced precision and fewer side effects.

What is Robotic Surgery Most Used For?

Most of the applications of robotic surgery are in procedures that require high accuracy and precision. Some of the major areas involving robotic surgeries are:

1. Oncology: It is applied extensively in cancer treatment to remove tumors precisely. The procedure is specifically used to manage cancers of the head, neck, oropharynx, uterus, lungs, and prostate, along with other types of cancer.

   Despite being one of the sub-disciplines of oncology, head and neck oncology deserves special mention, as robotic surgery is lately being recommended as the first line of treatment for different types of head and neck cancer, including oropharyngeal cancers and neck tumors and malignancies.

2. Urology: This includes prostatectomy, which means the removal of the prostate gland. Robotic technology allows surgeons to perform operations more accurately with less damage to the surrounding tissues.

3. Gynecology: Robotic surgery can extend to gynecological procedures, including hysterectomy and myomectomy.

4. Gastrointestinal Surgery: Robotic surgery is used in various gastrointestinal procedures, from bariatric surgery to colectomy and rectal surgeries.

5. Orthopedics: Robot systems aid in joint replacement surgeries, such as robotic hip and robotic knee replacements, where the system assists in highly accurate implant placement. These robotic systems are different from the ones used for oncology.

6. Neurosurgery: These robot systems assist in extremely accurate brain and spine surgery, preventing further complications.

Types of Robotic Surgery Available at HCG Mumbai

Robotic surgery is an advanced, minimally invasive procedure that offers patients surgical options involving shorter recovery times, greater precision, and fewer complications.

HCG Cancer Centre, Mumbai, is an advanced center that performs robotic surgeries in various therapeutic domains. Robotic surgery types may be categorized based on the organ.

The following are the different robotic surgery types available at the HCG Cancer Centre, Mumbai:

1. Head and Neck Cancer Surgery

Surgery is often the first line of treatment for head and neck cancers. Minimally invasive approaches, such as robotic surgery, are particularly helpful for head and neck cancer patients since they benefit patients with minimal to zero scarring. Dr. Yash Mathur at HCG Mumbai offers different head and neck cancer surgeries that can be treated with robot-assisted surgery, including oropharyngeal cancer, parapharyngeal cancer, oral cavity cancer, the base of the tongue cancer, throat cancer, salivary gland cancer, and neck dissection surgeries. Dr. Yash has specialized experience in performing complex head and neck robotic surgeries, namely transoral robotic surgery (TORS) or robotic throat surgery, robotic glossectomy, and robotic tonsillectomy, among others. He is one of the very few surgeons in the country with expertise in the minimally invasive trans axillary approach for neck dissection, known as the BABA approach. The outcomes of this surgery are far superior as compared to conventional or other robotic approaches for neck dissection. As an effective minimally invasive head and neck surgery approach, robotic surgery remarkably improves patients' treatment outcomes and quality of life. Specialists may not recommend robotic surgery for head and neck cancer in all cases. Multiple parameters specific to each case are analyzed before recommending this procedure as the best treatment option.

2. Thoracic Cancer Surgery

Another area where this most modern and advanced robotic technology can be implemented is thoracic surgery. It comprises the procedures performed to manage malignancies associated with the chest area involving the lungs and esophagus. HCG Cancer Centre, Mumbai, uses robot-assisted thoracic surgery to treat and manage major malignant conditions like lung cancer, thymus gland cancer, and esophageal cancer. The use of high-end surgical robots provides surgeons with better visualization and accuracy of the system, enabling surgeons to remove the tumor and the diseased tissue precisely. Robotic surgery for lung cancer may involve wedge resection, segmentectomy, lobectomy, or even pneumonectomy. Procedures like robotic lobectomy or segmentectomy cause less blood loss, reduce the risk of treatment complications, and improve the overall treatment outcomes.

3. Gastrointestinal Cancer Surgery

HCG Cancer Centre, Mumbai, uses robotic technology to perform bariatric surgery, colorectal surgery, stomach surgery, and intestinal surgery. The precision that a robotic approach contributes to gastrointestinal surgery is vital, considering the complexity of anatomy and the risk associated with complications. A surgical robot allows surgeons to perform more accurate dissection and suturing, reducing complication risk and increasing the chances of better surgical outcomes. Different gastrointestinal cancers can be treated with robotic surgery, including stomach cancer, pancreatic cancer, gallbladder cancer, liver cancer, colon cancer, appendiceal cancer, rectal cancer, and anal cancer. GI cancer patients undergoing robotic surgery benefit from reduced pain and discomfort after the surgery, reduced infection risk, and a swifter recovery. At HCG, our robotic surgeons have specialized expertise in performing various robotic procedures for GI cancers, namely robotic esophagectomy, robotic gastrectomy, robotic pancreatectomy, robotic hepatectomy, robotic cholecystectomy (robotic gallbladder removal), appendectomy (removal of the appendix), and robotic proctectomy.

4. Gynecological Cancer Surgery

HCG Cancer Centre, Mumbai, is one of the top-ranking cancer institutes in the city for gynecological cancer-related robotic surgeries. Ovarian cancer, fallopian tube cancer, uterine cancer, and endometrial cancer are common gynecological cancers for which robotic surgery may be recommended as a treatment option. Surgery is often the first line of treatment for gynecological cancers. At HCG, both open and robotic surgery facilities are available for these cancers, and they are recommended based on individual case parameters, namely the type of gynecological cancer, its stage and grade, its exact location, the patient’s age, and overall health condition, and lastly, their preferences. Also, robotic surgery may not be an ideal treatment option for all cases of gynecological cancers. Robotic surgery in gynecological conditions aims to preserve the fertility and reproductive health of the patients while removing diseased tissues or tumors as much as possible. At HCG, our specialists excel at performing procedures, such as robotic hysterectomy, robotic radical hysterectomy, robotic oophorectomy, and others, with excellent clinical outcomes and a special focus on the quality of life.

5. Orthopedic Cancer Surgery

Robotic orthopedic surgery may be recommended in some cases of orthopedic cancers. This minimally invasive approach can help in operating on tumors forming in different parts of the skeletal system and soft tissues throughout the body. Before recommending robotic surgery as a treatment option for orthopedic cancers, doctors analyze various individual parameters associated with each case. Reduced blood loss, pain, and discomfort, shorter hospital stays, fewer complications, and faster recovery are a few benefits of undergoing robotic surgery for orthopedic cancers. C and fibers necessary for cancer patients during treatment. Further, they are known to possess antioxidant properties that help the body fight cancer cells. Some researchers have also reported that pomegranate intake during chemotherapy reduces bone pain, which is a side effect of cancer treatment.

6. Urologic Surgery

Robot-assisted urologic surgery offers superior clinical outcomes for prostate cancer, kidney cancer, bladder cancer, and other types of urological cancers. Robotic surgery for prostate cancer, a minimally invasive prostate surgery, is a standard surgical option to treat various prostate conditions, particularly prostate cancer. It involves robotic prostate removal, partially (partial robotic prostatectomy) or completely (radical robotic prostatectomy). Robot-assisted prostatectomy is performed with excellent precision that minimizes the damage to the surrounding tissues and nerves. The surgery aims to preserve the urinary and sexual function as much as possible. Robotic surgery for kidney cancer involves robotic kidney removal, which is reported to have relatively better clinical outcomes than traditional surgery. The kidney removal may be robotic partial nephrectomy or total nephrectomy. Robotic surgery for bladder cancer is a minimally invasive bladder surgery that involves the excision of a part of the affected bladder and a radical robotic cystectomy, which refers to the complete removal of the bladder. The surgery is done using robotic arms, which are controlled by surgeons. It has better outcomes compared to conventional surgeries.

7. Neurosurgery

Neurosurgeries are considered the most challenging and complex among all types of surgeries. It requires a high level of accuracy, precision, and care, as the slightest mistake during the surgery may have serious consequences, including permanent paralysis or death. At the HCG Cancer Centre, Mumbai, the patients are provided with the facilities of robotic surgeries for various complex brain and spinal tumors. The robotic system allows the surgeons to have better control over the procedure, reducing the risk of damage to the surrounding tissues. Robotic neurosurgeries involve surgeries related to tumors and other neurological conditions like trigeminal neuralgia.

Why Choose HCG Cancer Centre, Mumbai, for Robotic Surgery?

As one of the leading hospitals for cancer treatment in India, HCG Cancer Centre, Mumbai, pioneers in different types of robotic surgery. Our specialists perform all major robotic surgery types.

Whether advanced technology or expert care, this hospital offers patients high precision and modern care in several medical fields through some of the most skilled robotic surgeons specializing in minimally invasive surgery.

Patients recover much faster with fewer complications and personalized care. Innovation and excellence are the cornerstones of better-quality cancer care at HCG Mumbai. The hospital offers the highest standards of treatment through various robotic surgery types.

Through holistic treatment approaches and state-of-the-art infrastructure, HCG strives to support optimum outcomes for patients.

Da Vinci X Surgical System for Robotic Surgery

The da Vinci X Robotic Surgery System is an advanced surgery platform that helps surgeons perform complex surgical procedures with superior precision, enhanced flexibility, and better control.

This platform has 4 robotic arms to carry surgical tools and a camera. These robotic arms are controlled by a surgeon who sits at a specially designed console with a screen offering him a 3D view of the surgery site. The robotic arms allow the surgeon to access hard-to-reach areas throughout the body and operate on the tumors seamlessly with better precision.

Advantages of da Vinci X Robotic Surgery System

• As a minimally invasive procedure, robotic surgery with da Vinci X supports faster recovery among patients.
• As this procedure can be performed through smaller incisions, it leads to reduced blood loss and minimal scarring.
• Fewer treatment-related complications
• Robotic surgery with da Vinci X also reduces the risk of wound infections.
• The 3D imaging guidance and the precision help in reducing the damage to the surrounding healthy tissues.
• The da Vinci X supports overall positive clinical outcomes with better survival rates.

Conclusion

Robotic surgery is widely used in procedures requiring the highest precision. At HCG, robotic surgery is recommended as a treatment option for a broad spectrum of cancers. It is used in several complex cases, such as cancer, prostatic removal, and others, with increased precision factors and minimized risks. Robotic surgery performs complex procedures with minimal invasiveness, increasing the chances of better recovery for the patient.

References

• Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy: A Step-by-Step Guide - PMC
• Robotic prostate surgery
• Robotic-assisted versus laparoscopic radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer: the first separate systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials and non-randomised studies - PMC
• Robotic-assisted surgical endoscopy: a new era for endoluminal therapies - PMC
• Robotic laparoscopic surgery: cost and training
• Robotic Cardiac Surgery
• [Robotics in thoracic surgery]
• Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy: A Step-by-Step Guide - PMC
• Robotic Surgery in Gastrointestinal Surgery - PMC
• Robotic surgery in urology: Recent advances - PMC

Author Bio

Dr. Yash Mathur
Consultant – Head, Neck & Oral Robotic Surgeon
MDS (OMFS), FHNS (Head & Neck Oncosurgery)