Robotic-assisted surgery can ease non-communicable disease burden on Indian healthcare ecosystem, experts say

Dr Surender Dabas, CRSA member, Senior Director & HOD- Surgical Oncology & Robotic Surgery, Max Healthcare, also said that robotic-assisted oncology surgery improves the surgical experience for both doctors and patients.

Mumbai: The enhanced adoption of advanced surgical technologies like robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) can potentially ease the noncommunicable disease burden on the healthcare ecosystem in India, said experts from the India chapter of Clinical Robotic Surgery Association (CRSA) coinciding with World Health Day.

They also highlighted how healthcare advancements are not just about better outcomes—they are also about making treatment and recovery easier for patients.

In a press statement, they opined that robotic technology is transforming surgical procedures by offering a range of patient benefits that make surgery less invasive, more precise, and more efficient.

“Robotic-assisted surgery is not just about achieving successful surgical outcomes; it is also about how we get there,” said Dr Vivek Bindal, Chairman, Clinical Robotic Surgery Association (CRSA), India.

“Patients today seek a seamless experience with minimal disruption to their lives. RAS provides just that—reduced pain, shorter hospital stays, fewer complications, and faster recovery times, enabling them to return to their daily routines swiftly,” he said.

According to Dr Bindal, who is also the HoD, Institute of Minimal Access, Bariatric and Robotic Surgery at Max Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi, advanced RAS technologies like the da Vinci offers significant advantages over traditional surgical methods, including reduced perioperative bleeding, smaller incisions and lesser likelihood of developing surgical site infection.

“In the operating room, robotic technology plays a crucial role in minimising surgical trauma, lowering complication rates, and improving overall patient outcomes. By serving as a protective barrier between healthcare workers and patients, these systems not only enhance infection control but also ensure surgical efficiency, addressing concerns around pathogen exposure and maintaining hospital workflow continuity,” he explained.

While speaking about how robotic-assisted oncology surgery improves the surgical experience for both doctors and patients, Dr Surender Dabas, CRSA member, Senior Director & HOD- Surgical Oncology & Robotic Surgery, Max Healthcare, New Delhi said, "Surgeons benefit from greater precision, enhanced visualisation, and reduced fatigue, improving the efficiency of oncology procedures. Robotic technology has advanced cancer surgeries by enabling minimally invasive techniques that reduce damage to surrounding tissue. This leads to shorter recovery times, smaller incisions, and better post-surgical outcomes for patients."

"For instance, in head and neck cancer surgeries, these advancements help preserve vital structures involved in speech, swallowing, and breathing. Minimally invasive techniques reduce complications such as scarring and loss of function, contributing to improved quality of life for patients,” he pointed out.

He added that delays in post-surgical treatments can impact effectiveness and prolong recovery, making it essential for patients to heal as quickly as possible. Advanced robotic-assisted surgery helps accelerate this process by promoting faster wound healing.

Emphasising this benefit, Dr Surender Dabas stated, “Even if patients require multiple treatment modalities in addition to surgery, faster healing ensures they can transition more quickly to the next phase of treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiation. This minimises delays, improving the overall efficacy of their treatment plan.”