In a groundbreaking advancement in urological surgery and male infertility care, the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, has performed India’s first robot-assisted vasovasostomy — a complex procedure to reverse vasectomy — using state-of-the-art robotic technology.
Pioneering Surgery Led by PGIMER Urologists
On July 9, 2025, a dedicated team from PGIMER’s Department of Urology, led by Dr. Aditya Prakash Sharma, Dr. Girdhar Bora (both Additional Professors), and Prof. Ravi Mohan, successfully conducted this landmark surgery. Replacing the traditional microscope-based approach, the team leveraged robotic precision to perform this delicate reproductive microsurgery for the first time in the country.
Swift Recovery and Advanced Surgical Technique
As reported by TOI, the patient, a 43-year-old male presenting with secondary infertility after a prior vasectomy, underwent the procedure using the advanced da Vinci Surgical System. Impressively, he was discharged just a day later, reflecting both the procedure’s success and the benefits of minimally invasive robotic surgery.
Revolutionizing Vasectomy Reversal with Robotics
Vasovasostomy, also known as vasectomy reversal, is a technically demanding microsurgical procedure. It involves rejoining the previously severed ends of the vas deferens to restore the natural flow of sperm, enabling conception. Traditionally, surgeons rely on high-magnification operating microscopes. However, the PGIMER team broke new ground by utilizing robotic assistance to gain enhanced three-dimensional visualization, superior precision, and stable suturing capabilities.
Expert Perspectives on the Breakthrough
“This innovation demonstrates PGIMER’s commitment to integrating next-generation technology into reproductive healthcare,” stated Dr. Aditya Prakash Sharma. “Robotic assistance eliminates tremor, reduces fatigue, and allows us to use ultra-fine sutures — even thinner than human hair — significantly improving surgical outcomes for patients seeking natural conception after vasectomy.”
Prof. Ravi Mohan emphasized the broader significance: “This success showcases the versatility of robotic systems beyond their traditional use in oncological and reconstructive surgeries. It opens new possibilities in andrology and reproductive microsurgery.”
Leadership and Vision Behind the Success
The team acknowledged the visionary leadership of Prof. Uttam Mete, Head of the Urology Department, and Prof. Vivek Lal, Director of PGIMER. Their continued support, the surgeons noted, was instrumental in achieving this surgical milestone.
Shaping the Future of Reproductive Surgery in India
With this achievement, India joins an elite group of global centres offering robot-assisted vasovasostomy. PGIMER plans to publish the clinical outcomes in peer-reviewed journals to encourage wider adoption across the country and internationally.
“This breakthrough strengthens PGIMER’s standing as a hub of surgical excellence,” said Prof. Vivek Lal. “More importantly, it signals a new era of hope for couples seeking to restore fertility through advanced yet natural means.”
This landmark procedure not only redefines standards in male infertility treatment but also sets the stage for expanding robotic innovation across various domains of microsurgery in India.