KGMU Launches Robotic Surgery Services in Lucknow
Lucknow: KGMU, the Government Medical University, has launched robotic surgery services, becoming the third government medical institute in the city after SGPGIMS and RMLIMS to offer this cutting-edge technique.
During the day, two surgeries were conducted by the department of general surgery, where Prof Abhinav Arun Sonkar performed robotic cholecystectomies (gallstone removal operations).
Two male patients—one in their 30s and another in their 40s—underwent the procedure and are recovering well, said Prof Sonkar. He was assisted by Prof Awanish Kumar, Dr Akshay Anand, Dr Ranjith, and Dr Ayush. The anaesthesia team, including Prof Vineeta Singh and Dr Dinesh, ensured smooth and uneventful surgeries.
KGMU has two ‘Made in India’ robotic systems—one donated under CSR to the general surgery department, and the other installed in the Shatabdi Phase I building through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
KGMU Vice Chancellor Prof Soniya Nityanand said the first 200 surgeries using the PPP-model robot will be done free of cost. While the final fee structure is yet to be decided, she assured that it will be the most affordable in the state.
Robotic surgery is performed by doctors but with help of advanced machines. The robot is partly attached to the patient while the surgeon controls it from a nearby console. This allows highly precise surgeries, even in narrow or sensitive areas.
A team of 16 doctors from KGMU were trained in Delhi for robotic procedures and another 32 will be trained in the next phase.
Robotic surgery will initially be available in departments such as general surgery, gastro surgery, gynaecology, oncology, plastic surgery, and paediatric surgery.
A third robot—dedicated solely to training—is also in the pipeline. With this, KGMU will become the first in UP to offer structured training in robotic surgery.
Chief medical superintendent Prof BK Ojha, HOD gastro surgery Prof Abhijit Chandra, senior surgeon Prof HS Pahwa, and urologist Prof Vishwajeet Singh were among those present on the occasion.
Benefits of Robotic Surgery
It creates a 3D image of internal organs, providing doctors with a clearer view of them, which is not possible with naked eyes. It makes precise cuts at the exact required length and depth. There is less bleeding, and wounds heal faster.
Published On May 10, 2025 at 07:00 AM IST
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