In a landmark achievement, Grant Medical College and Sir JJ Hospital in Byculla successfully used a robotic arm for the first time to perform three surgeries on Wednesday. The procedures mark a major step forward in the adoption of advanced surgical technology in Mumbai’s public healthcare sector.
Robotic Precision Enhances Surgical Outcomes
“Robotic surgery is known for its precision, and the robotic arm provides superior manoeuvrability with its 360-degree movement,” said Dr. Ajay Bhandarwar, Dean of JJ Hospital and a trained general surgeon. The robotic arm used at JJ Hospital is among the latest available in the market, offering enhanced accuracy and control during procedures.
Technical Delays Finally Overcome
Although the hospital acquired the robotic arm three months ago, technical issues—particularly with the electrical setup—delayed its usage. On Wednesday, the wait ended as a team of general surgeons operated on three patients. The conditions treated included hiatus hernia, inguinal hernia, and a diseased gall bladder. Each surgery lasted approximately 90 minutes.
Collaborative Team Effort Ensures Success
The surgical team comprised Dr. Bhandarwar, Dr. Girish Bakshi, and Dr. Amol Wagh. To ensure a smooth launch, Dr. Sudipto Kumar Swain from Apollo Hospital, Chennai, served as a proctor during the procedures. His presence added an extra layer of expertise as the hospital performed its inaugural robotic surgeries.
Advanced Care at Zero Cost
Unlike private hospitals, where robotic surgeries can cost an additional Rs 1.5 to Rs 2 lakh, JJ Hospital is offering these procedures free of charge to patients. “As per our agreement with the manufacturer, we are allowed to conduct 500 surgeries at no cost,” said Dr. Bhandarwar. Following this, the state government will decide on the subsidy model for future cases.
Daily Surgeries and Future Expansion Plans
Moving forward, the hospital aims to conduct at least two robotic surgeries every day, according to Dr. Wagh. At present, only the General Surgery Department is trained to operate the robotic arm. However, doctors from Urology and Gynaecology departments will soon receive training and begin using the system for their respective procedures.
JJ Joins the Ranks of Robotic Surgery Pioneers
As reported by TOI, JJ Hospital is now the third public hospital in Mumbai to offer robotic surgery, following KEM Hospital, which began orthopaedic robotic surgeries two years ago, and Tata Memorial Hospital in Parel, the first to adopt this technology. It also becomes the third state-run hospital in Maharashtra, after facilities in Nagpur and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, to acquire a robotic arm.
Robotic Surgery Brings Benefits to Both Patients and Surgeons
Dr. Bhandarwar emphasized the advantages of robotic-assisted surgery, noting that the robotic arm allows surgeons to access narrow and complex spaces with smaller incisions. This leads to less bleeding, reduced pain, and faster recovery for patients.
Additionally, the robotic arm at JJ Hospital features built-in safety mechanisms. “The system has a sensor that halts surgery if there’s a misalignment or if the surgeon takes their eyes off the screen,” explained one of the surgeons involved in Wednesday’s procedures.