HYDERABAD: In a record of sorts, 100 robotic cardiac surgeries were performed at Apollo Hospitals Bangalore creating a landmark in cardiovascular surgery in the country. The robotic surgery programme was started in Apollo Hospitals in 2019. Robotic-assisted minimally invasive surgery has changed the face of heart surgeries over a period of time. Surgeons are now recommending to opt for robotic surgeries rather than open heart surgery.
Loss of blood is minimised, pain decreased, post-operative wound infections reduced, less stay in the hospital required and faster mobilisation and rehabilitation has been noted in these surgeries.
Dr Sangita Reddy, joint managing director of Apollo Group of Hospitals says, "We have achieved two milestones in robotic surgeries, completing 100 cardiac interventions and also robotic mitral valve repair in 70 minutes. A dedicated team of cardiologists, technicians and da Vinci surgical system have helped achieve this."
Many patients who opted for the surgery were not sure if a heart surgery via robotic method would be successful. There were doubts and they underwent counselling. It was in the post-operative care that they realised that the surgeries were helping them recover faster and also lead a quality life post-surgery.
Dr Sathyaki Nambala, senior consultant, cardiothoracic and vascular surgeon and head of the department of robotic cardiac surgery unit, said, "Young patients in productive age groups are also affected with heart problems. Robotic surgeries help these patients recover and get back to productive life. In this surgery, opening up the chest by splitting the breastbone is not required."
