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Time of India

Robotic surgeries are done with precision, safe: Doctors

1 2 3 Nagpur: Robotic surgery is fast becoming a buzzword. From patients to relatives, everyone wants to know what it is, how it works, and whether it's safe. To clear the air and build awareness, National Surgeons Week (June 8–15) is being marked with public education efforts, especially in Vidarbha. "People think a robot will operate on them, but it's actually the surgeon who's in complete control," said Dr Divish Saxena, senior surgeon at AIIMS Nagpur and president of Association of Surgeons, Nagpur. "The robot is just a highly advanced tool — it allows us to operate with more accuracy, through smaller cuts, and with faster recovery." Dr Raj Gajbhiye, dean of Govt Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Nagpur, added that robotic surgery has evolved rapidly. "Since the early 2000s, robotic systems like the da Vinci (a robotic platform that assists in performing minimally invasive procedures) changed how surgeries are done. But due to high costs, access in India is still limited," he said. "With just 220 robotic systems installed across the country, most smaller cities are yet to benefit," he said. Robotic arms are used in various surgeries — from hernia and gallbladder operations to liver, colorectal, and bariatric procedures. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like How Ken Koh revived ailing family business in S'pore to produce the 'Rolls-Royce' of soya sauce CNA Read More Undo Surgeons can work with enhanced precision and better visibility, reducing complications, say experts. "This week, we're going to meet people and interact in local languages, conducting public outreach, and educating people about their surgical options," said Dr Gayatri Deshpande, honorary secretary of the association. "There's still a lot of myth and fear about robotic surgeries. People must know it's a safe and scientifically proven method," Dr Deshpande. Challenges like high costs, need for training, and lack of infrastructure remain, but the future holds promise. Newer machines are becoming smaller, more affordable, and even capable of remote operations. Technologies like artificial intelligence and augmented reality are also being tested to assist surgeons in complex tasks. "Robotic surgery isn't just a medical trend — it's the future," said Dr Saxena. "Now we must work towards making it more accessible, even in tier-2 and tier-3 cities." A Long Way To Go * India has over 70,000 hospitals * More than 700 medical colleges * Only 220 robotic systems installed across the country What Does The Future Look Like? * Smaller, portable robotic machines — even in medium hospitals * Remote surgeries — a surgeon in Mumbai could operate on a patient in Nagpur via internet-based control * Augmented reality and AI — where 3D images help doctors see more clearly inside the body Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .