In a first, 2 robotic surgeries performed at IGIMS

Patna: In a first for a govt health institute in the state, the IGIMS on Tuesday performed robotic surgery, marking a significant step towards the adoption of advanced technology in public healthcare.

A 26-year-old woman from Sheohar underwent gallbladder surgery with the help of an AI-enabled robotic system at the hospital. According to hospital sources, she was initially scheduled for laparoscopic surgery but opted for robotic surgery after being informed about the option.

Soon after, a 55-year-old patient from Siwan underwent robotic surgery for gallbladder stones and hernia. Both procedures were performed by the hospital’s gastroenterology department.

“Both the patients are doing perfectly fine,” a doctor said.

Hospital sources said the robotic system, procured at a cost of around Rs30 crore, is a multi-armed platform equipped with an inbuilt camera and the ability to rotate 360 degrees inside the body. Doctors said the technology offers greater precision than conventional laparoscopic surgery and involves negligible bleeding.

“When compared to laparoscopy, it is more precise and involves negligible bleeding,” a doctor said. “If a doctor makes an error, the system prevents that movement. It operates precisely at the point where surgery is required.”

Doctors added that robotic surgery offers several advantages, including smaller incisions, better visualisation, improved accuracy, reduced blood loss and faster recovery for patients. The system also allows surgeons to perform complex procedures with greater control in confined spaces inside the body.

At the IGIMS, robotic surgery costs around Rs50,000, compared with approximately Rs30,000 for a standard laparoscopic procedure.

The robotic system was procured about a month ago, and doctors from various departments have been given hands-on training to operate it in the operation theatre. Hospital sources said more such robotic systems may be purchased in the future as the institute expands its advanced surgical facilities.