Medical sciences have been advancing in leaps and bounds worldwide. Many Indian cities, too, have been witnessing this advancement. Apollo Gleneagles Hospitals Ltd (AGHL), Kolkata, is one such centre in eastern India that pioneers new medical techniques. The new robotic hernia surgery recently launched by the hospital will help many patients suffering from the condition.
Hernia is a very common health issue, which mostly needs surgery for cure. The traditional method of open hernia surgeries has long been replaced by laparoscopic methods for most of hernias (depending upon size). AGHL, Kolkata, has, for the first time in eastern India, launched robotic hernia surgery, which is the latest innovation in the treatment of the condition.
The robotic technique
Robotic hernia surgery allows the doctor to be seated at a console from where he handles the surgical instruments. The surgeons get to see three-dimensional images of the inside of the abdomen. The advantages of robotic hernia surgery include providing surgeons with superior visualization, enhanced dexterity, greater precision and ergonomic comfort to operate on patients. The technology of the da Vinci Surgical System used in robotic surgery allows surgeons to perform minimally invasive procedures involving complex dissection or reconstruction.

Benefits of robotic hernia surgery over open, or laparoscopic, methods
Less trauma and pain
- Less bloodshed and scars
- Three-dimensional images of hernia
- Greater precision
- Allows for more complex work
- Shorter hospital stay
‘Future of hernia surgeries’
‘Patients opting for robotic techniques benefit by reduced duration of hospital stay, blood loss, transfusions, scars and use of pain medication. Hence, it can be considered the future of hernia surgeries’
— Dr Debasish Roy, senior consultant surgeon, AGHL

‘Endeavour to stay ahead’
‘The gadgets needed to perform robotic surgeries are expensive and, hence, not widely available at most hospitals. However, in our endeavour to stay ahead in the healthcare space and for the utmost benefit of our patients, we’ve introduced the technology for the first time in eastern India’
— Mr Rana Dasgupta, CEO, AGHL