Pune's Noble Hospitals and Research Centre has installed its first Made-in-India surgical robot, the SSI Mantra. Recently approved by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), this advanced 3-robot system is designed to perform complex surgeries, marking a significant step forward in India's healthcare technology.

Inaugurated by Marathi actor Prasad Oak, the robotic system includes five precise robotic arms and an immersive 3D HD headset for surgeons, providing exceptional optics. Apart from this, the system includes a vision cart with 3D 4K imaging for the entire surgical team, enhancing precision and control during intricate surgeries.

According to Dr Ashish Pokharkar, Oncosurgeon at Noble Hospitals and Research Centre, the robotic system will play a key role in a wide range of life-saving procedures, including general surgeries, cardio-thoracic, urology, gynaecology, and other complex surgeries.

The Hospital also recently carried out its first surgery with the new robotic system. The procedure involved a robotic right extended hemicolectomy for a patient diagnosed with colon carcinoma.

Dr. HK Sale, Executive Director of Noble Hospitals explained how the robotic surgery enhances patient recovery: "The minimally invasive technique, which uses small, fingertip-sized incisions and highly precise instruments, allows for faster recovery. This means less pain, shorter hospital stays, and a quicker return to everyday activities compared to traditional surgery."

What is robotic surgery?

Robotic surgery involves a doctor performing surgery using robotic arms. The doctor controls the arms from a chair with a console, while a 32-inch screen gives a 3D view of the patient's surgical area. It also has a safety camera to detect the doctor's presence.

India's first surgical robot, SSI Mantra, was created in 2017 by Dr. Sudhir Srivastava. It has a modular design with over five detachable arms, which can be used in surgeries like heart surgery.The first Indian-made surgical robot was installed at Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute in New Delhi, and later in hospitals in Hyderabad and Raipur.

India's indigenous surgical robotic technology has become the first company in the country to receive CDSCO approval for Telesurgery and Teleproctoring.

Dr Sudhir Srivastava, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of SS Innovations, shared his excitement, saying, "Telesurgery and Teleproctoring have been a dream for over four decades, and today it has finally come to life. With the current technology and bandwidth, we can now decentralize and democratize surgical expertise, reaching patients and surgeons in even the most remote areas of India and the world."