As India celebrates Women’s Health Month, a decade-long study across five leading tertiary care hospitals reveals how robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) is revolutionising gynaecological care. By analysing surgical data from da Vinci robotic systems, researchers have documented a remarkable rise in the use of RAS for both benign and malignant gynaecological conditions—signalling a major shift in surgical practices across the country.
A Decade of Data Reveals Significant Growth
As per the press release, the multi-institutional study, “Trends in Gynecological Robotic Surgery in India: A Real-World Scenario,” compiled surgical records from Apollo Health City (Hyderabad), PGIMER (Chandigarh), Manipal Hospital (Bengaluru), Narayana Health (Bengaluru), and Tata Memorial Hospital (Mumbai). The results are striking—over 70% of all robotic gynaecological surgeries were performed in the last five years alone. This surge highlights growing confidence in robotic platforms and their expanding role in women’s healthcare.
Enhancing Precision and Patient Outcomes
“Women’s Health Month prompts us to evaluate how technological innovations like the da Vinci system are improving women’s health outcomes,” said Dr. Rooma Sinha, Honorary Professor and Chief Gynaecologist at Apollo Health City. She noted that robotic-assisted surgery is now widely used to treat conditions such as fibroids and endometriosis, offering superior precision and consistently improved results.
Faster Recovery, Lower Blood Loss
Echoing global findings, the Indian study reported reduced blood loss and quicker recovery times among patients undergoing robotic surgery. “Even in complex cases like large fibroids or extensive endometriosis, we observed minimal bleeding and rapid recovery,” said Dr. Sinha. “This is particularly important in India, where patients often travel long distances for treatment and need to return home promptly.”
Consistent Results Across Body Types
Interestingly, the study found comparable outcomes across patients regardless of their body mass index (BMI), confirming the versatility and reliability of RAS. Additionally, with increased surgical team experience, procedural efficiency improved—especially in areas like docking time.
Improving Quality of Life for Working Women
Dr. Vanita Jain, Head of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at PGIMER, Chandigarh, emphasised the impact on patients’ everyday lives. “Robotic procedures shorten hospital stays and reduce complications,” she explained. “This is a major advantage for women juggling work and home responsibilities.”
Common Indications: Fibroids Lead the List
Among benign conditions, fibroids emerged as the most frequent reason for robotic intervention, followed by endometriosis, adenomyosis, vault prolapse, and ovarian cysts. These cases often demand precise dissection and meticulous suturing—especially when preserving fertility is crucial.
Advancing Surgical Capabilities
“Myomectomy, which involves removing fibroids while retaining the uterus, requires exceptional accuracy,” explained Dr. Subhas C Saha, Professor at PGIMER and co-author of the study. “The da Vinci robotic system provides superior visualisation and dexterity, making complex procedures more manageable.”
Addressing Costs and Expanding Access
Although more insurers now include RAS in their coverage, affordability and access remain challenges. To address this, surgeons are adapting by using fewer robotic arms and multifunctional instruments, effectively reducing costs without compromising quality.
A Call for Broader Insurance Support
Dr. Saha called for greater support from insurance providers. “This study clearly demonstrates the benefits of robotic-assisted surgery,” he stated. “Wider insurance coverage can help make these advanced procedures accessible to more women across India.”