Doctors at Narayana Health perform first-of-its kind robotic-assisted kidney surgery in Eastern India to save 53-year-old cancer patient

● The tumor was growing outward from the kidney and needed to be removed precisely to avoid damaging healthy tissue, support long-term renal health, and prevent future complications

● The team led by Dr. Forquan Babu Shaikh used da Vinci technology to access the kidney posteriorly, avoiding disruption to abdominal organs, reducing pain, and enabling a faster recovery

Kolkata, 18 June 2025: In a regional first, doctors at Narayana Health successfully performed a robotic retroperitoneal partial nephrectomy using state-of-the-art da Vinci technology on a 53-year-old woman, marking the first time this advanced surgical approach has been used in Eastern India. The procedure enabled surgeons to remove a cancerous kidney tumor using a posterior approach, avoiding the abdominal cavity—resulting in less pain, quicker recovery, and better preservation of kidney function.

The patient had come to the hospital after she noticed blood in her urine, which prompted detailed investigation. Imaging showed a 3 x 4 cm growth pushing outward from the lower part of the kidney, like a small lump on its surface. Given the tumor’s position, the clinical team led by Dr. Forquan Babu Shaikh, General Laparoscopic, Robotic & Renal Transplant Surgeon, Narayana Health recommended a retroperitoneal partial nephrectomy, a procedure that removes only the diseased part of the kidney while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.

“This technique provided direct posterior access to the kidney, without disturbing abdominal organs like the intestines—resulting in fewer post-operative complications. The retroperitoneal route also avoids issues commonly seen in patients with prior abdominal surgeries, such as adhesions or cesarean scars, and is particularly well-suited for women with previous pregnancies due to greater abdominal wall flexibility,” said Dr. Shaikh.

He noted that the retroperitoneal route is more anatomically precise and efficient for kidney surgeries. “However, the space we operated in was quite limited, making the procedure technically demanding. But with expertise and the support of robotic assistance, we were able to navigate these constraints—enabling better control, and effective execution,” Dr. Shaikh added.

Dr. Shaikh pointed out that robotic-assisted surgery offers multiple advantages over traditional surgical methods, both for patients and surgeons. “The da Vinci platform offers greater precision in such confined areas by helping reduce blood loss, ease suturing, and minimize pain at the incision sites. Unlike conventional abdominal surgeries that involve bowel handling, longer recovery, and greater strain at the port sites, this method offers a gentler alternative—robotic instruments remain steady, reducing the risk of rib injury or muscle trauma, and most patients are discharged within 48 to 72 hours,” he added.

According to Dr. Shaikh, approximately 80–85% of the kidney was preserved during surgery. The patient was on oral fluids by evening, progressed to a soft diet the following day, and was fit for discharge by the second day but opted to stay an additional night.

The patient expressed relief at her rapid recovery. “I expected pain and a long stay, but I felt surprisingly normal within a day. I’m thankful to the entire team at Narayana Health for explaining everything clearly and helping me return to daily life so soon,” she said.

As robotic-assisted surgery continues to evolve in India, the successful adoption of retroperitoneal robotic partial nephrectomy in Eastern India opens the door for more minimally invasive treatment options—especially for patients with kidney tumors who wish to avoid long hospital stays and preserve kidney function. The surgical team at Narayana Health is actively training the next generation of urologists to make this technique more widely accessible across the country.