Himachal’s first robotic surgery to begin August 7, sets milestone in public healthcare
Shimla, Aug 5,
In a historic leap for Himachal Pradesh’s healthcare system, the state will witness its first-ever robotic surgery on August 7 at the Atal Super Specialty Medical Institute in Chamiyana, Shimla. This pioneering operation, to be conducted by the Urology Department, marks the official integration of robotic-assisted procedures into the state’s public health infrastructure, placing Himachal among the few Indian states with such advanced medical capabilities in the government sector.
The surgery will be performed using the world-renowned ‘Da Vinci XI’ robotic system, with Dr. Pamposh Raina and Dr. Anant Kumar leading the procedure. The team is set to conduct a prostate stone removal on a patient who was admitted to the facility on Monday evening. Dr. Raina emphasized the transformative nature of robotic surgery, stating, “This system gives us multiple hands – we could now conduct more accurate surgeries with reduced complications. In traditional prostate surgery, there may be up to one litre of blood loss, but in robotic surgery, it’s limited to just 50 ml.”
The Da Vinci XI system consists of three integrated units: a patient cart with four robotic arms—three equipped with micro-surgical instruments and one with a high-definition endoscopic camera; a 3D vision cart capable of 10x magnification; and a surgeon’s console that is controlled through joysticks and foot pedals. This setup not only increases surgical precision but also significantly reduces operation time and patient recovery periods. While a conventional prostate surgery can last up to eight hours, robotic procedures are typically completed within three, with patients experiencing shorter hospital stays and less post-operative discomfort.
Initially focused on prostate and stone surgeries, the robotic system is expected to be expanded to treat tumors, gynecological conditions, and other complex urological cases. Dr. Raina reiterated that a typical manual surgery for prostate cases may drain up to one litre of blood, while robotic techniques can reduce that figure to as little as 50 ml, ensuring safer outcomes for patients.
The launch of this facility fulfills a key healthcare promise made by the Congress-led Himachal Pradesh government and underscores the state’s commitment to future-ready medical solutions. With this step, Himachal Pradesh positions itself at the forefront of modern medical innovation in public healthcare, demonstrating how trained doctors and cutting-edge machines can work together to enhance the quality and safety of surgeries for its citizens.
About the Author
The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.
