In a pioneering medical achievement in North India, a 37-year-old woman with recurrent breast cancer has successfully undergone a minimally invasive robotic oncology surgery at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital in Delhi. This surgery marks a significant milestone as it is claimed to be the first of its kind in the region.
Background: A History of Recurrent Cancer and BRCA Mutation
The patient, who has a history of recurrent breast cancer, was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer in 2017. She has been undergoing treatments and surgeries since then, including chemotherapy, multiple lumpectomies, radiotherapy, and a salpingo-oophorectomy. Her condition was further complicated by a BRCA gene mutation, which significantly increased her risk of future breast cancer, making her an ideal candidate for preventive surgery.
Innovative Surgical Approach: Combining Conventional and Robotic Techniques
Given the high risk of recurrence due to her BRCA-positive status, the patient was admitted to Indraprastha Apollo Hospital for bilateral breast surgery. A team of surgical experts developed a comprehensive plan that combined conventional surgical techniques with robotic-assisted surgery to ensure precision, minimize surgical trauma, and maximize the preservation of healthy tissue.
The surgery was performed by a team of specialists, including Dr. Ramesh Sarin (Senior Consultant in Surgical Oncology), Dr. Arun Prasad (Senior Consultant in Gastrointestinal, Bariatric, and Robotic Surgery), Dr. Parag Sharma, Dr. Jayanti Tumsi, and Dr. Sandip Bipte.
The Surgical Procedure: Precision with Robotic Assistance
The surgical team used the advanced da Vinci robotic surgical system, a cutting-edge technology that offers unparalleled precision in delicate surgeries. On the right breast, the team performed a nipple-sparing mastectomy, a minimally invasive procedure that helps preserve the nipple while removing the cancerous tissue. For the left breast, which had previously undergone two lumpectomies and radiotherapy, a conventional mastectomy was performed, followed by reconstruction using a muscle flap and an implant.
The use of robotic surgery allowed for greater precision and control, resulting in minimal surgical trauma and better protection of surrounding healthy tissues. This innovative approach is particularly valuable in cases like this one, where there is a need to remove healthy breast tissue to prevent future cancer development.
Rapid Recovery and Successful Outcome
Following the surgery, the patient recovered quickly and was discharged in stable condition, signaling the success of the minimally invasive approach. According to Dr. Sarin, this type of surgery represents the future of breast cancer treatment, particularly for patients who require preventive surgery. He emphasized the importance of strict case selection for such advanced procedures to ensure their success.
Expert Insights: The Future of Robotic-Assisted Breast Cancer Surgery
Dr. Arun Prasad highlighted the transformative nature of robotic-assisted breast surgery in northern India, noting that the technology allows for superior precision—especially in complex cancer cases where every millimeter of tissue matters. He further emphasized that robotic surgery not only enhances surgical accuracy but also preserves important tissue structures, reducing surgical trauma and improving aesthetic and functional outcomes.
“This innovation is more than just a technological upgrade; it is a paradigm shift in the way we perform cancer surgery, combining clinical excellence with compassionate, patient-centered care,” Dr. Prasad added.
A Transformative Step in Cancer Surgery
This minimally invasive robotic surgery is a groundbreaking development in breast cancer treatment, offering hope for patients facing complex cases like recurrent cancer with a high risk of recurrence. By combining robotic precision with advanced reconstruction techniques, doctors have been able to deliver outstanding outcomes with minimal trauma and quicker recovery. The success of this surgery is not only a step forward for the patient but also sets a new benchmark for oncology surgeries in northern India and beyond.
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