On Friday, King George’s Medical University (KGMU) officially launched robotic surgery services, becoming the third government-run medical institute in Lucknow—after SGPGIMS and RMLIMS—to offer this advanced surgical technology.
First Two Surgeries Performed Successfully
KGMU’s Department of General Surgery successfully performed two robotic cholecystectomies (gallstone removal surgeries) on Friday. Prof Abhinav Arun Sonkar led the procedures, assisted by Prof Awanish Kumar, Dr Akshay Anand, Dr Ranjith, and Dr Ayush. Both male patients, one in his 30s and the other in his 40s, are recovering well.
As reported by TOI, the anaesthesia team, led by Prof Vineeta Singh and Dr Dinesh, ensured the operations were smooth and complication-free.
‘Made in India’ Robots Power the Programme
KGMU has deployed two indigenously developed robotic systems. One was donated to the general surgery department through CSR funding, while the second was installed in the Shatabdi Phase I building under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
200 Free Surgeries Under PPP Model
Vice-Chancellor Prof Soniya Nityanand announced that the first 200 surgeries using the PPP-model robotic system will be provided free of cost. Although the final pricing is still under discussion, she assured the public that KGMU will offer the most affordable robotic surgeries in the state.
“Robotic surgery is doctor-controlled, but assisted by machines,” she explained. “The robot is partially attached to the patient while the surgeon operates it via a console. This enables extremely precise surgeries, especially in narrow or delicate areas.”
Training and Expansion Plans Underway
KGMU has already trained 16 doctors in robotic surgery procedures at a centre in Delhi. Another 32 will undergo training in the next phase. The university plans to initially offer robotic surgery in departments such as general surgery, gastro surgery, gynaecology, oncology, plastic surgery, and paediatric surgery.
Moreover, KGMU is planning to introduce a third robot dedicated solely to training, making it the first institution in Uttar Pradesh to offer structured robotic surgery training.
Dignitaries Present at the Launch
Several key faculty members attended the launch event, including Chief Medical Superintendent Prof BK Ojha, Gastro Surgery HOD Prof Abhijit Chandra, Senior Surgeon Prof HS Pahwa, and Urologist Prof Vishwajeet Singh.
Advantages of Robotic Surgery
Robotic surgery offers several clinical benefits:
- It provides a 3D image of internal organs, enhancing visibility.
- It enables highly precise incisions at exact depths and lengths.
- It significantly reduces bleeding and promotes faster healing.