Intuitive brings global experts to India to train general surgeons in advanced robotic surgery

New Delhi: Intuitive, a global leader in minimally invasive care and the pioneer in robotic-assisted surgery (RAS), brought together a team of global experts led by Dr. Rockson Liu, MD, FACS General Surgeon, to train Indian general surgeons in advanced robotic surgery techniques.

This initiative aimed to equip surgeons with hands-on experience using the state-of-the-art da Vinci system, fostering innovation in procedures such as hernia repairs and cholecystectomies.

The roadshow spanned key cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi, featuring intensive training sessions, live demonstrations, and mentorship opportunities for over 170 surgeons and healthcare executives from key hospitals like St John’s Hospital, Hiranandani Hospital, Gleneagles Hospital, Yashoda Hospital, Max Hospitals and Manipal Hospitals. Highlights of the programme included hands-on training with the da Vinci Xi system at cadaver labs, proctor events, and insightful discussions with eminent surgeons.

While talking about this training programme, Dr Rockson Liu, MD, FACS General Surgeon, one of the experts who came to India for this purpose, said, “I am glad to engage with the talented surgeons from India, and share my experience with them. I thank Intuitive for bringing me here, and I would be grateful if this roadshow could make a difference to the general surgery ecosystem in India. As a surgeon who has done over 1,250 robotic-assisted general surgeries with da Vinci, I can vouch for the profound benefits of robotic-assisted approach in general surgery, especially in procedures such as hernias and cholecystectomy. The advanced da Vinci system offers enhanced precision, and smaller incisions for general surgery procedures. It helps surgeons minimize tissue damage, and see the anatomy in a better way, which reduces pain and the risk of recurrence in case of hernia surgeries as we are able to offer better techniques for these procedures. This modality can also enhance the recovery times for patients.

By understanding these benefits, the majority of surgeons in the USA have moved to robotic approach in general benign surgery. I am sure that this roadshow will help us train more surgeons in India on the innovative techniques of robotic hernia surgery and the safer approaches to cholecystectomies., which will eventually lead to better patient outcomes.”

The da Vinci system includes a magnified 3D high-definition vision and tiny wristed instruments that bend and rotate much more than the human hand. As a result, surgeons have better vision, precision, and control. Benign general surgery with the da Vinci system is supported by more than 800 peer-reviewed publications, with studies also showing that robotic-assisted patients returned to normal activities faster than open repair patients.

Dr. Jignesh Gandhi, Professor of Surgery, KEM Hospital & Robotic and GI Surgeon, Gleneagles Hospital, Mumbai, said, “I want to express my gratitude to Dr. Rockson Liu and Intuitive for bringing this invaluable training program to India, providing hands-on experience in advanced robotic-assisted surgery techniques to general surgeons with across the country. The opportunity to pursue cutting-edge technologies like the da Vinci system is transformative for general surgery. This innovation allows surgeons to perform general surgery procedures, such as hernia repair and cholecystectomy, with greater precision, minimal invasiveness, and improved patient outcomes. Programs like these not only enhance the skills of surgeons but also elevate the entire field of general surgery, paving the way for safer and more efficient care for patients.”

Recent estimates suggest that 3,646 surgeries are carried out per 100,000 Indian population every year, out of which 26% is attributed to general surgery procedures like hernia repair and cholecystectomy. Innovative, cutting-edge solutions like the da Vinci can help address the growing demand for precision and efficiency in general surgery, while reducing the burden on healthcare systems.