Robotic Surgery Team at Jipmer Felicitated for Completing 1,300 Procedures
Lieutenant Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan felicitated the robotic surgery team at Jipmer for completing 1,300 procedures, which is claimed to be the highest volume for a government-sector institution in south India. The team was presented with certificates of appreciation for their remarkable work.
Advantages of Robotic Surgery
The minimally-invasive procedure has several advantages, including causing less pain and reducing blood loss, shorter hospital stay, and earlier return to work. Even the poorest of persons visiting the institution have access to the latest technology, such as robotic surgery, free of cost.
Pioneering Novel Robotic Surgery Procedures
Rakesh Aggarwal, Director, Jipmer, said the unit has pioneered in novel robotic surgery procedures, such as surgery for pancreatic cancer (Whipple’s Procedure), and for Oesophageal cancers and benign Oesophageal strictures. For many procedures, Jipmer leads the country, by having the richest experience in the field.
Facility and Training
The facility is being used by eight departments, including the departments of urology, surgical gastroenterology, surgical oncology, paediatric surgery, general surgery, ENT, obstetrics and gynaecology, and cardiothoracic and vascular surgery (CTVS), with the support of an experienced anaesthesiology team and dedicated nursing and technical staff. The institution is performing about 300 such procedures per year. In-house training of faculty members has started, with four surgeons already completing training. At present, Jipmer has 20 trained robotic surgeons.
Recognition
Jipmer has been recognised by the Association of Robotic and Innovative Surgeons as a centre of excellence. Bibekanand Jindal, officer-in-charge of the Robotic Surgical unit, said Jipmer would shortly launch a training programme in robotic surgery for resident doctors.
Funding
The project had been feasible due to a ₹26-crore seed grant from the Central government and continued support in subsequent budgets.
In conclusion, the felicitation of the robotic surgery team at Jipmer is a testament to the institution’s commitment to providing the latest technology and expertise to patients, regardless of their economic status. The team’s pioneering work in novel robotic surgery procedures and their dedication to training future surgeons is commendable.
