- Patients aged 30 to 90 underwent procedures using the da Vinci platform; the day also offered surgeons from across Eastern India an opportunity to observe a range of cases
Narayana Hospital, Howrah completed nine robotic-assisted surgeries back to back in a single day, treating patients ranging in age from 30 to 90. Dr. Shashank Shukla, Consultant – General, Laparoscopic & Robotic Surgery, and his team performed the procedures using the da Vinci platform.
The day’s surgical list included robotic cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal), robotic appendectomy and hernia repairs. The hernia cases ranged from complicated inguinal hernias in the groin to ventral hernias in the abdominal wall, giving observing surgeons an opportunity to see the platform used across different general surgical procedures.
“Each patient presents with a unique clinical requirement, and our focus remains on selecting the appropriate surgical approach based on individual needs,” said Dr. Dr. Shashank Shukla, Consultant – General, Laparoscopic & Robotic Surgery.
The nine procedures mark a milestone for the hospital’s robotic-assisted surgery programme. Dr. Shukla said the purpose of the day, however, extended beyond the number of cases completed. “Performing nine back-to-back robotic surgeries in a single day is an important milestone for our team and reflects the growing experience and capabilities of robotic-assisted surgery at Narayana Hospital, Howrah,” he said. “But proving a point with numbers was never the intention. We wanted to show how much the demand for robotic surgery has risen over the years.”
Dr. Shukla has performed robotic surgery for the past four years. The team completed eight more robotic-assisted surgeries in the same week, which he said reflects how regularly patients now seek this approach. “In the recent past, patients have been consciously asking for robotic surgery as word about it spreads,” he said.
The nine-case day was also planned as a learning opportunity for other surgeons. “Rather than proving a point, we tried to create a platform where budding surgeons, young surgeons and colleagues from across Eastern India could come and see a myriad of procedures being handled by technology,” said Dr. Shukla.
Also present on the occasion, Mr. Ajit Kumar Bellamkonda, Facility Director, Narayana Hospital, Howrah & Chunavati, said, “Successfully completing nine robotic procedures in a single day required coordinated efforts across the surgical, anaesthesia, nursing and support teams.”. He mentioned the milestone reflects the hospital’s work to strengthen its surgical capabilities and bring advanced care closer to patients in Eastern India.
“At Narayana Health, our focus is to combine advanced technology with clinical expertise and patient-centric care, ensuring that innovations translate into meaningful healthcare outcomes for our patients,” Mr. Bellamkonda added.
During robotic-assisted surgery, the surgeon controls the instruments from a console while viewing the surgical area in detail. The da Vinci platform supports minimally invasive procedures through enhanced visualisation and instrument control. The surgeon and clinical team remain responsible for every surgical decision.
“Robotic-assisted surgery provides surgeons with enhanced control and precision while performing minimally invasive procedures, and our aim is to utilise this technology responsibly to deliver safe and effective surgical care to our patients,” said Dr. Shukla.
Narayana Hospital, Howrah completes nine robotic-assisted surgeries in a day; reflect rising patient demand
-Patients aged 30 to 90 underwent procedures using the da Vinci platform; the day also offered surgeons from across Eastern India an opportunity to observe a range of cases
Narayana Hospital, Howrah completed nine robotic-assisted surgeries back to back in a single day, treating patients ranging in age from 30 to 90. Dr. Shashank Shukla, Consultant – General, Laparoscopic & Robotic Surgery, and his team performed the procedures using the da Vinci platform.
The day’s surgical list included robotic cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal), robotic appendectomy and hernia repairs. The hernia cases ranged from complicated inguinal hernias in the groin to ventral hernias in the abdominal wall, giving observing surgeons an opportunity to see the platform used across different general surgical procedures.
“Each patient presents with a unique clinical requirement, and our focus remains on selecting the appropriate surgical approach based on individual needs,” said Dr. Dr. Shashank Shukla, Consultant – General, Laparoscopic & Robotic Surgery.
The nine procedures mark a milestone for the hospital’s robotic-assisted surgery programme. Dr. Shukla said the purpose of the day, however, extended beyond the number of cases completed. “Performing nine back-to-back robotic surgeries in a single day is an important milestone for our team and reflects the growing experience and capabilities of robotic-assisted surgery at Narayana Hospital, Howrah,” he said. “But proving a point with numbers was never the intention. We wanted to show how much the demand for robotic surgery has risen over the years.”
Dr. Shukla has performed robotic surgery for the past four years. The team completed eight more robotic-assisted surgeries in the same week, which he said reflects how regularly patients now seek this approach. “In the recent past, patients have been consciously asking for robotic surgery as word about it spreads,” he said.
The nine-case day was also planned as a learning opportunity for other surgeons. “Rather than proving a point, we tried to create a platform where budding surgeons, young surgeons and colleagues from across Eastern India could come and see a myriad of procedures being handled by technology,” said Dr. Shukla.
Also present on the occasion, Mr. Ajit Kumar Bellamkonda, Facility Director, Narayana Hospital, Howrah & Chunavati, said, “Successfully completing nine robotic procedures in a single day required coordinated efforts across the surgical, anaesthesia, nursing and support teams.”. He mentioned the milestone reflects the hospital’s work to strengthen its surgical capabilities and bring advanced care closer to patients in Eastern India.
“At Narayana Health, our focus is to combine advanced technology with clinical expertise and patient-centric care, ensuring that innovations translate into meaningful healthcare outcomes for our patients,” Mr. Bellamkonda added.
During robotic-assisted surgery, the surgeon controls the instruments from a console while viewing the surgical area in detail. The da Vinci platform supports minimally invasive procedures through enhanced visualisation and instrument control. The surgeon and clinical team remain responsible for every surgical decision.
“Robotic-assisted surgery provides surgeons with enhanced control and precision while performing minimally invasive procedures, and our aim is to utilise this technology responsibly to deliver safe and effective surgical care to our patients,” said Dr. Shukla.
