World Health Day: Experts say enhanced adoption of surgical robotics can ease the disease burden on Indian healthcare system

  • Robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) is emerging as a modality that prioritizes comfort, efficiency, and an improved experience for patients in addition to better healthcare outcomes.
  • With fewer complications, less pain and shorter hospital stays, RAS speeds up recovery, easing the burden on both patients and caregivers.

National, 05th April 2025: On World Health Day, experts from the India chapter of Clinical Robotic Surgery Association (CRSA) opined that the enhanced adoption of advanced surgical technologies like robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) can potentially ease the non-communicable disease burden on the healthcare ecosystem in India. They also highlighted how healthcare advancements are not just about better outcomes—they are also about making treatment and recovery easier for patients. They opine that robotic technology is transforming surgical procedures by offering a range of patient benefits that make surgery less invasive, more precise, and more efficient.

“Robotic-assisted surgery is not just about achieving successful surgical outcomes; it is also about how we get there,” said Dr. Vivek Bindal, Chairman, Clinical Robotic Surgery Association (CRSA), India. “Patients today seek a seamless experience with minimal disruption to their lives. RAS provides just that—reduced pain, shorter hospital stays, fewer complications, and faster recovery times, enabling them to return to their daily routines swiftly.”

According to Dr. Bindal, who is also the HoD, Institute of Minimal Access, Bariatric and Robotic Surgery at Max Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi, advanced RAS technologies like the da Vinci offers significant advantages over traditional surgical methods, including reduced perioperative bleeding, smaller incisions and lesser likelihood of developing surgical site infections. “In the operating room, robotic technology plays a crucial role in minimizing surgical trauma, lowering complication rates, and improving overall patient outcomes. By serving as a protective barrier between healthcare workers and patients, these systems not only enhance infection control but also ensure surgical efficiency, addressing concerns around pathogen exposure and maintaining hospital workflow continuity,” he explained.

“Robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) plays a crucial role in procedures where organ preservation and functional retention are paramount,” said Dr. Jagadishwar Goud, CRSA member and leading surgical oncologist at Apollo Hyderabad. “In disciplines such as oncology, urology, and gynaecology, technologies like the da Vinci allow surgeons to operate with exceptional precision, preserving healthy tissue while effectively targeting diseased areas. With improved dexterity and enhanced vision, surgeons can navigate intricate anatomies with greater accuracy, reducing the need for extensive tissue removal and ensuring better postoperative function for patients.”

While speaking about how robotic-assisted oncology surgery improves the surgical experience for both doctors and patients, according to Dr. Surender Dabas, CRSA member, Senior Director & HOD- Surgical Oncology & Robotic Surgery, Max Healthcare, New Delhi. “Surgeons benefit from greater precision, enhanced visualization, and reduced fatigue, improving the efficiency of oncology procedures. Robotic technology has advanced cancer surgeries by enabling minimally invasive techniques that reduce damage to surrounding tissue. This leads to shorter recovery times, smaller incisions, and better post-surgical outcomes for patients.

For instance, in head and neck cancer surgeries, these advancements help preserve vital structures involved in speech, swallowing, and breathing. Minimally invasive techniques reduce complications such as scarring and loss of function, contributing to improved quality of life for patients,” he pointed out.

He added that delays in post-surgical treatments can impact effectiveness and prolong recovery, making it essential for patients to heal as quickly as possible. Advanced robotic-assisted surgery helps accelerate this process by promoting faster wound healing. Emphasizing this benefit, Dr. Surender Dabas stated, “Even if patients require multiple treatment modalities in addition to surgery, faster healing ensures they can transition more quickly to the next phase of treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiation. This minimizes delays, improving the overall efficacy of their treatment plan.”

While talking about the recovery after surgery, Dr. Bindal emphasized that robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) helps ease the recovery journey by reducing ICU stays, lowering the risk of post-surgical infections, and minimizing complications. “A smoother recovery process allows patients and caregivers to focus more on emotional well-being rather than medical concerns.” he noted.

As healthcare shifts toward patient-centric models, robotic-assisted surgery is proving to be a breakthrough technology that aligns with modern expectations—where health is not just about outcomes, but also about ensuring comfort, efficiency, and a better overall experience for patients.

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