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Robotic Surgery Can Be A Game-Changer for Women’s Health in India: Experts

Indian women are having more and more gynaecological problems, like fibroids, endometriosis, and ovarian and endometrial cancers. This has led well-known women's health professionals to push for more people to know about and accept modern surgical methods. They ascribe this increase to lifestyle changes, stress, obesity, and hormone imbalances—all of which are having a growing impact on women's reproductive and general health.

Dr. Rooma Sinha, a pioneer in gynaecological robotic surgery in India and the founder and president of Gynaecological Robotic Surgeons, emphasises the burden that women already suffer as a result of late menopause, irregular cycles, hormone therapy, and metabolic problems. "Women already suffer greatly as a result of late menopause, erratic cycles, high-dose hormone treatments for infertility, metabolic diseases, and so on. Those who go through this are also more likely to develop ovarian and endometrial cancers. It is extremely unjust that they should have to go through the complications of surgery after all this. However, with the introduction of newer technology such as robotic-assisted surgery, individuals no longer have to endure the agony of traditional surgery. I've been doing surgeries with da Vinci, a sophisticated robotic surgery technology, for many years and can confidently state that with this technology, we can achieve increased precision, little scarring, less pain, and considerably faster recovery times. Many patients are discharged within 24 hours, with some returning home after 8-10 hours of surgery."

Dr. Sinha, who is also the chief of gynaecology at Apollo Hospital Jubilee Hills in Hyderabad, emphasises the need to address healthcare hesitation among ageing women. Gynaecological issues continue beyond the reproductive years, as menopause increases the risk of cancer and genitourinary diseases. However, these challenges are under-discussed in healthcare legislation, leaving older women exposed.

Dr. Swapna Misra, an internationally certified robotic gynaecological surgeon at Fortis Hospital Mohali, warns about a growing issue in young women's health. "The growing number of women's cancers, particularly endometrial and ovarian tumours, is a significant health crisis. Modern lifestyle concerns such as chronic stress, obesity, and hormone imbalances are now affecting younger women, with diagnoses emerging at ages 25 to 35.

She emphasises the importance of proactive medical intervention, stating that "routine screenings and proactive medical care can save lives. I highly advocate for annual checkups, which include breast exams, Pap screenings, ultrasounds, and blood tests, beginning at the age of 18.

Despite advances in robotic-assisted surgery, a lack of knowledge about these procedures remains a significant hurdle. Dr. Uddhavraj Dudhedia, a renowned gynaecological robotic oncosurgeon at Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital in Mumbai, emphasises the need for educating both patients and healthcare workers. "There is a need to educate patients and healthcare professionals about innovative technologies such as robotic-assisted surgery." The absence of this stage frequently results in delayed decision-making and prolonged suffering due to reliance on antiquated and obsolete approaches. Finally, low awareness not only exacerbates health concerns but also lowers quality of life, preventing women from receiving the best available care."

Dr. Dudhedia emphasises the benefits of robotic-assisted surgery: "From a comparison approach, I have found that minimally invasive treatments using sophisticated technology, such as the da Vinci, minimise discomfort by 30 to 40% compared to traditional methods. This not only increases patient comfort, but also the whole experience and perceived value. The most recent breakthroughs in robotic-assisted surgical technology provide an unprecedented level of seamlessness—it moves in unison with the surgeon's thoughts. These technologies make procedures more effective and less invasive by improving eyesight, precision, and depth awareness beyond what standard laparoscopy can provide. Ultimately, it benefits both patients and surgeons.

With India's growing burden of gynaecological problems, doctors are calling for increased awareness and access to cutting-edge therapies. Robotic-assisted surgery, with its promise of precision, short recovery time, and reduced trauma, offers a paradigm shift in women's healthcare. However, in order to ensure its adoption, hurdles to awareness and access must be overcome.


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