Advancing Urology with Robotic Surgery: Insights from Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road

Robotic surgery is revolutionizing medical science, particularly in urology. At Fortis Hospitals, Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore, Dr. Mohan Keshav Murthy (Senior Director, Urology, Uro-Oncology, Renal Transplant, and Robotic Surgery) and Dr. Karthik Rao (Additional Director, Urology, Uro-Oncology, and Robotic Surgery) shared valuable insights into the transformative potential of robotic-assisted surgeries.

Why Robotic Surgery?

Robotic surgery combines precision, technology, and surgeon expertise to offer superior outcomes compared to traditional open or laparoscopic techniques.

Dr. Mohan Keshav Murthy elaborates:

• Enhanced Precision and Visualization: The robot provides magnified, 3D views of the surgical field, aiding meticulous procedures.
• Minimized Surgeon Fatigue: Unlike traditional laparoscopic surgery, robotic systems allow surgeons to operate comfortably while sitting, reducing fatigue during lengthy procedures.
• Tremor Elimination: Robotic systems filter out tremors, making it an excellent tool for experienced surgeons managing hand tremors.
• Increased Dexterity: With greater rotational freedom than the human hand, the robot’s multi-jointed instruments allow complex maneuvers in confined spaces.
• Surgeon-Controlled Camera: The robot’s camera provides direct control to the surgeon, eliminating dependency on a camera assistant.

Advantages of Robotic Surgery in Urology

Dr. Mohan highlighted four major advantages of robotic surgery in urology:

Preservation of Function

• Robotic surgery excels in delicate procedures like radical prostatectomy, where preserving urinary continence and sexual potency is critical.

Organ-Sparing Surgeries

• In kidney cancer, robotic surgery enables precise tumor removal with minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissue, preserving kidney function.

Complex Anatomies

• For challenging scenarios like pediatric surgeries or scarred abdominal anatomies, robotic surgery provides unparalleled precision.

Compartmental Surgery

• Procedures requiring high magnification and precision, such as kidney transplants, are more efficient with robotics.

Robotic Surgery in Urological Procedures

Robotic surgery has transformed the management of various urological conditions:

Uro-Oncology:

• Nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy.
• Organ-preserving partial nephrectomy for complex tumors.
• Radical cystectomy with bladder reconstruction.

Kidney Transplants:

• Handling complex cases, such as multiple arteries, pediatric patients, or scarred abdomens, with enhanced precision.

Reconstructive Urology:

• Redo pyeloplasties and urethric injury repairs are more manageable with robotic assistance.

Incontinence and Pelvic Surgery:

• Procedures like sacrocolpopexy and bladder reconstructions have better outcomes with robotics.

The Future of Robotic Surgery in India

Dr. Mohan Keshav Murthy envisions exciting developments in robotic surgery:

Increased Accessibility

• With more affordable robotic platforms and indigenous innovations, robotics is expected to reach secondary metros and district centers.

Standardized Training

• Training programs will empower more surgeons to adopt robotic techniques, ensuring consistency and expertise.

Tactile Feedback

• Future advancements in robotics may include tactile sensations, further enhancing surgeon control.

Telemetric Robotic Surgery

• Remote surgery guided by mentors through stable internet connections could soon become a reality, extending expertise across geographies.

Transforming Lives at Fortis Hospitals

At Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, robotic surgery has become a cornerstone of advanced urological care. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, the team has improved outcomes in even the most challenging cases, reaffirming their commitment to innovation and patient care.

Robotic surgery is not just a tool—it’s a bridge to a future where precision, expertise, and technology redefine possibilities in medicine.