Dr. T.A. Kishore commented that this surgery proves technology can deliver world-class surgical expertise to patients without the physical presence of the surgeon, demonstrating that space and distance are no longer barriers and that the future potential of this technology is immense.
KOCHI: Proving that complex surgeries can be performed safely through a remote robotic connection without direct physical contact, Aster Medcity has successfully completed Kerala’s first telerobotic urology surgery. The patient underwent a “Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy” (RARP), an advanced surgical procedure used for treating prostate cancer. The 70-year-old patient, a native of Kollam, was admitted to Aster Medcity in Kochi. Dr. T.A. Kishore, Senior Consultant in Uro-Oncology & Transplant Surgery at Aster Medcity, led the surgery and completely controlled the two-hour-long procedure from 1,500 kilometers away at the Meril Academy in Vapi, Gujarat. This achievement marks a crucial milestone in long-distance telesurgery, paving the way for advanced surgeries to be performed from any corner of the world without being restricted by geographical limitations. This technology will enable expert surgeons to provide real-time assistance, mentoring, and emergency interventions globally, making seamless, high-quality surgical care accessible to remote areas, islands, military zones, and disaster-hit regions where expert doctors are unavailable. Dr. T.A. Kishore commented that this surgery proves technology can deliver world-class surgical expertise to patients without the physical presence of the surgeon, demonstrating that space and distance are no longer barriers and that the future potential of this technology is immense.
The surgery was performed using the “Meril MISSO Robot”. Dr. Kishore’s movements at the surgeon console in Gujarat were transmitted in real-time via a secure, high-speed network connection to the robotic arms operating on the patient in Kerala. To ensure absolute precision, the teams spent weeks planning, running technical simulations, and conducting connectivity checks, which guaranteed seamless communication and the lag-free transmission of commands. Patient safety was prioritized throughout the procedure with strict safety protocols. A highly qualified and experienced robotic surgical and anesthesia team was physically present by the patient’s side in Kochi, handling critical tasks such as patient positioning, port placement, robotic system docking, instrument changes, and continuous monitoring. This bedside team was fully prepared to take over the surgery immediately in the event of any network disruptions, ensuring zero compromise on patient safety. Following the successful surgery, the patient recovered very quickly, showed excellent health indicators, and was discharged from the hospital within three days.
