- Apollo Hospitals Lucknow sets new benchmarks in Advanced Cancer Treatment with Precision Robotic Surgeries
- Advanced Robotic Surgical Techniques like RIA-MIND for Oral, Head & Neck Cancers & Nipple Sparing Techniques for Breast Cancer introduced first time in the region.
- Beyond the limits of traditional surgery, robotic technology offers superior post-surgical outcomes with better cosmesis.
TIL Desk Lucknow:
In a remarkable advancement in cancer treatment across North India, Apollomedics Super Specialty Hospital in Lucknow has achieved a significant milestone in cutting-edge robotic surgeries. In a series of groundbreaking surgeries, specialists at the hospital have performed various cancer surgeries using advanced robotic techniques, ushering in a new era in the medical field. For the first time in the Uttar Pradesh–Bihar region (Except Delhi & NCR), Apollomedics has successfully conducted robotic nipple-sparing mastectomy (Breast Cancer Surgery) and RIA-MIND technique-based neck dissection (for Oral Cancer). In addition, the hospital is routinely performing Robotic surgeries for all kind of cancers including Colorectal & GI Cancers, Gynae Cancers, Urological Cancers etc.
The most promising aspect of this surgical modality, apart from accurate cancer treatment, is that patients’ physical appearance remained unaffected cosmetically — helping them retain their self-esteem and ensuring much faster recovery compared to traditional surgeries.
Dr. Mayank Somani, MD and CEO of Apollomedics Hospital, expressed pride in this accomplishment, calling these procedures a “blend of technology and compassion.” He stated, “Our goal is not just treatment but also enhancing the quality of life for patients after surgery. These kinds of surgeries are performed at very few high end centres across country and requires not only exceptional surgical skills but also a backing of ultramodern infrastructure. Now patients from North India need not to travel distances for such High End Surgeries. At Apollo Cancer Centre Lucknow, we have a perfect blend of ultramodern technology & excellent surgical talent which positions Apollomedics Lucknow as the most advanced center for Cancer Treatment in the region.
Speaking with media, Dr Sathish K Anandan, Consultant Surgical Oncology told, A 60-year-old woman from Lucknow, diagnosed with cancer in both breasts, underwent the region’s first robotic nipple-sparing mastectomy. In traditional surgeries, the breast, nipple, and skin are completely removed, causing significant emotional trauma. In this advanced
robotic surgery, we made only a few small incisions near the armpit and, using robotic arms, removed the cancerous tissue internally, preserving the skin, nipple, and areola.”
Dr. Sathish described this as a perfect example of “Cure with Cosmesis,” meaning complete cancer removal while maintaining the body’s natural form and the patient’s self-confidence.
“We removed all internal tissue from the left breast while keeping the outer skin intact. Later, using oncoplastic techniques, we restored the breast’s natural shape by rotating tissue from the front chest wall.” The surgery lasted about 6 hours. The patient was not admitted to the ICU and was discharged within just three days.
Dr. Sathish emphasized that such surgeries were previously limited to big cities like Chennai, Bengaluru, Mumbai and Delhi. “This is the first time such a technique has been used in region like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar which is a major milestone.”
The second milestone was a robotic neck dissection using the RIA-MIND technique (Robotic Infraclavicular Approach for Minimally Invasive Neck Dissection), led by Dr. Abhimanyu Kadapathri, Consultant – Head & Neck Surgical Oncology. The patient was diagnosed with buccal mucosa cancer (inner cheek lining).
Dr. Abhimanyu explained, “Traditional neck dissections require large incisions on the neck, which leave visible scars and result in prolonged recovery. With the RIA-MIND approach, we insert robotic instruments through small incisions below the collarbone and remove lymph nodes without making any cuts on the face or neck. The surgery took around 4 hours, delivering not only excellent cosmetic outcomes but also exceptional surgical accuracy. This is the first time such a technique has been used to treat oral cancer in the region “Dr. Abhimanyu added.
The third achievement involved treating colorectal cancer using robotic and laparoscopic techniques. Dr. Harshit Srivastava, Consultant – Surgical Oncology (Rectal Surgery), performed these surgeries on two patients.
“In laparoscopy, the surgeon directly operates with instruments and the camera. In robotic surgery, the surgeon operates robotic arms via a console, enabling more precise operations, especially in complex areas like the pelvic region. Both techniques resulted in minimal blood loss, less pain, and faster recovery. The patients also had shorter hospital stay compared to traditional methods.
The surgeries performed by Dr. Sathish K. Anandan, Dr. Abhimanyu Kadapathri, and Dr. Harshit Srivastava are not only technically superior but also open new options for patients who previously had to live with visible scars & emotional trauma throughout their lives.
