AIIMS Achieves a Major Robotic Surgery Milestone
In a significant milestone for India’s public healthcare system, AIIMS Delhi has successfully completed 1,000 robotic surgeries since launching its robotic surgery programme. Doctors at the institute described the achievement as a moment worth celebrating, as it reflects both rapid adoption and growing expertise in advanced surgical technology.
As reported by TOI, the programme began after the installation of the da Vinci robotic surgical system, with the first robotic procedure performed in November 2024 under the leadership of Dr. Hemanga K. Bhattacharjee. The milestone follows years of planning and preparation by the hospital’s surgical teams.
Robotic Surgeries Offered Without Additional Cost
Importantly, surgeons at the institute now perform robot-assisted surgeries without charging patients any additional cost. This approach has helped position AIIMS as one of the fastest-growing robotic surgery centres in the public sector.
Today, the programme supports a broad spectrum of complex procedures, including cancer surgeries, pelvic operations, and organ transplants. For patients, this development represents a significant technological shift in the way surgeries are performed.
“Studies have consistently shown that the technological aspects of robotic surgery result in less pain and better precision,” said Dr. Bhattacharjee. “The robot allows surgeons to achieve outcomes that are often more precise than conventional techniques.”
From Open Surgery to Robotic Precision
Robotic surgery is part of the broader evolution of minimally invasive surgery over the past three decades. Traditionally, surgeons relied on open surgery, which required large incisions to access organs. As a result, patients often experienced longer recovery periods and more postoperative pain.
However, the introduction of laparoscopic surgery in the 1990s transformed surgical practice. By using small incisions and camera-guided instruments, surgeons significantly reduced trauma and recovery time.
Robotic surgery builds on this approach and adds another layer of technological precision.
How Robotic Surgery Works
During robotic procedures, the surgeon operates from a console that provides a highly magnified, three-dimensional view of the patient’s anatomy. Meanwhile, robotic arms equipped with specialised instruments replicate the surgeon’s hand movements with enhanced flexibility and stability.
Consequently, the system eliminates hand tremors and allows surgeons to access deep and difficult anatomical areas with greater control.
For certain procedures—particularly pelvic surgeries—these advantages can be especially valuable. The enhanced precision helps surgeons preserve delicate nerves and minimise bleeding, which ultimately improves recovery and long-term outcomes.
Cost Barriers Slowed Early Adoption in India
Despite its clinical advantages, India adopted robotic surgery relatively late. Although the technology has existed for more than two decades, its expansion remained limited primarily because of cost.
Robotic surgical systems can cost several crores of rupees, and hospitals must also bear additional expenses for maintenance and specialised instruments. Consequently, most early adopters in India were large private hospital chains, where robotic procedures often cost patients several lakh rupees.
Public Hospitals Begin Expanding Access
However, the situation is gradually changing. Increasingly, government hospitals are introducing robotic surgery programmes, which makes the technology accessible to a much wider patient population.
“At AIIMS, there is no extra cost involved for patients,” Dr. Bhattacharjee explained. “However, we select cases carefully. Since we currently have only one robot in the department, we prioritise procedures where robotic assistance will provide the greatest benefit.”
Rising Patient Awareness and Demand
Demand for robotic surgery is also rising rapidly. As awareness grows, patients increasingly ask about the possibility of robotic procedures during consultations.
“Adoption does not look difficult,” Dr. Bhattacharjee noted. “Earlier, patients used to request laparoscopic surgery. Now many ask whether robotic surgery is possible.”
Training the Next Generation of Surgeons
At the same time, the expansion of robotic surgery has created new challenges in surgical training. Operating a robotic console requires specialised technical skills that go beyond traditional surgical techniques.
To address this need, AIIMS has introduced extensive training programmes for resident doctors. The institute has also established dedicated training facilities where surgeons can practice and gain proficiency before performing live robotic procedures.
The Future: Robotics and Artificial Intelligence
Looking ahead, experts believe robotic surgery will become far more common across India, especially if more public hospitals adopt the technology.
However, cost remains a major constraint. “Price is one of the biggest challenges,” Dr. Bhattacharjee said. “Many public hospitals cannot adopt this technology because of the high investment required. If the government makes it more viable, many more patients could benefit.”
Beyond robotics, the next frontier may involve artificial intelligence assisting surgeons during operations. Researchers have already demonstrated automated robotic procedures in animal studies.
“Artificial intelligence is progressing day by day,” Dr. Bhattacharjee added. “Some automated robotic procedures have already been demonstrated in research settings. However, it will take time before such systems become part of routine surgical practice.”