Surgeons advocate for RAS amidst alarming rise in gynecological cancers among women

New Delhi: India is witnessing a troubling surge in gynecological cancers among younger women, prompting top robotic gynecological surgeons to call for increased awareness of preventive measures, early screening, and the adoption of advanced treatment options like robotic-assisted surgery (RAS).

In response to this growing health challenge, the Association of Gynecological Robotic Surgeons of India (AGRS) is focusing on innovative advancements in robotic-assisted surgery to improve the management of complex cases and enhance patient outcomes.

To address these concerns, AGRS is hosting an international conference, RoboGyn India 2024, in New Delhi. This prestigious event will bring together leading national and international experts in robotic-assisted surgery within the fields of gynecology and gynecological oncology.

Dr. Rama Joshi, a leading Gynae Onco robotic surgeon and the Organizing Chairperson of RoboGyn India, highlighted the urgency of the situation: “We are witnessing a rise in gynecological cancers among younger women in India, a trend that is both distressing and demanding of our attention. For instance, we are seeing more incidences of endometrial cancer among young women in their early 30s, a condition traditionally seen in post-menopausal women. Rapid urbanization and lifestyle changes in India, including sedentary habits, high-calorie diets, and increased stress levels, have significantly impacted women’s health.”

Dr. Joshi emphasized the importance of early detection and proactive health measures: “Regular check-ups and screenings play a critical role in the early detection and management of such gynecological conditions. Any patient coming with excessive or irregular bleeding must be evaluated to exclude uterine cancer. These proactive health measures allow for the identification of potential issues before they progress to more severe stages, significantly improving treatment outcomes.”

She further elaborated on the role of robotic-assisted surgery, stating, “Robotic-assisted surgery with advanced technologies like da Vinci has emerged as a crucial tool in addressing these complex cases. We could even save a woman in her early pregnancy with a complex ovarian tumor, without harming the fetus, by using this technology. However, we need more surgeons and other healthcare professionals to get trained on this technology, to make it available for all eligible patients across the country.”

The forum also discussed the growing public health concern of obesity in India. Obese patients face higher surgical risks, making minimally invasive technologies like robotic-assisted surgery increasingly valuable in reducing morbidity and improving quality of life.

Dr. Peter Lim, Medical Director at the Center of Hope Robotic & Minimally Invasive Pelvic Surgery and Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Nevada Reno School of Medicine, USA, highlighted, “Robotic-assisted surgery offers numerous advantages in the management of gynecological cancers, even in obese patients. The technology provides unparalleled precision, allowing for meticulous dissection and better visualization of the surgical field. These benefits translate into reduced recovery times, fewer complications, and overall improved surgical outcomes.”

Dr. Rooma Sinha, the President of AGRS, addressed, “We are not able to provide advanced surgical technologies like RAS to women across the country due to various reasons. One of them is the lack of enough number of trained RAS gynecological surgeons in India. Through this association, we are trying to close this gap by introducing RAS to more surgeons. AGRS has been at the forefront of training more gynecologists in RAS. By harnessing the exceptional capabilities of RAS systems such as the da Vinci, our surgeons can adeptly navigate through the intricacies of gynecological disorders that require complex surgical interventions.”

The conference also featured insights from Dr. Tae Joong Kim, a renowned robotic surgeon and Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Samsung Medical Center, South Korea. He emphasized, “Incorporating robotic-assisted surgery into the postgraduate curriculum is imperative for preparing the next generation of surgeons. By integrating robotic-assisted surgery into medical education, we can ensure that future surgeons are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to utilize this technology effectively. This approach will not only enhance their proficiency, but also contribute to better patient care and surgical outcomes.”