World's first transoral robotic surgery conducted on 89-year-old patient in Nashik

Mumbai: In a historic breakthrough for robotic-assisted cancer care, Nashik-based HCG Manavata Cancer Centre (HCGMCC) has become the first hospital globally to perform Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS) using the CMR Versius robotic system on an 89-year-old patient with a lesion at the base of the tongue.

The patient, a resident of Nashik, had been suffering from significant pain while swallowing for several months.

Given his advanced age, the prospect of undergoing general anaesthesia and surgery was daunting for his family.

However the pioneering surgery, led by Prof Dr Raj Nagarkar, was completed in just six minutes, with a total procedure time of less than 30 minutes; marking a new benchmark in minimally invasive head and neck oncology.

TORS is a minimally invasive technique that uses robotic assistance to remove tumours in the head and neck through the mouth, offering greater precision and less tissue damage than traditional open surgery.

“The patient posed a unique clinical challenge due to his advanced age. However, following a detailed medical evaluation and anaesthesia clearance, the team proceeded with robotic surgery, delivering extraordinary results with zero post-operative complications. The patient resumed oral intake the very next day and was discharged in stable, disease-free condition,” says Prof Nagarkar, Chief of Surgical Oncology & Robotic Services and Managing Director - KIMS Manavata Hospitals, HCG Manavata Cancer Centre and Six Sigma, Nashik.

The surgical team included Dr Sirshendu Roy, Dr Vikas Jain, Dr Koustabh Kumar, Dr Mohsina Hussain, Dr Aniruddh Murli and Dr Asha Donde; anaesthesia care by Dr Nayana Kulkarni and Dr Jitendra Mahajan and post-op monitoring led by ICU Intensivist Dr Ulkesh Patil. Sister Shabana Pirzade played a key role in perioperative support.