Lucknow – ApolloMedics Super Specialty Hospital has achieved a significant milestone in cancer treatment, introducing groundbreaking robotic techniques to the Uttar Pradesh-Bihar region, excluding Delhi-NCR. The hospital has successfully performed Nipple-Sparing Breast Surgery and RIA-MIND (Robotic Infraclavicular Approach for Minimally Invasive Neck Dissection) technique for neck surgery for the first time in the region. Additionally, ApolloMedics routinely conducts robotic surgeries for colorectal, gastrointestinal, gynecological, and urological cancers.
A key advantage of these advanced techniques is their ability to preserve the patient’s body aesthetics post-surgery, minimizing damage to their self-image and significantly accelerating recovery compared to traditional surgical methods.
Dr. Mayank Somani, MD and CEO of ApolloMedics Hospital, stated, “Our goal is not just to treat cancer, but also to enhance the quality of life for patients after surgery. Such surgeries are performed only at a select few state-of-the-art centers globally, requiring both specialized expertise and world-class infrastructure. Now, patients from North India will no longer need to travel to Delhi, Mumbai, or Bengaluru for these procedures. Apollo Cancer Centre, Lucknow, has become the most capable center in the region.”
Groundbreaking Breast and Neck Surgeries
Dr. Satish K. Anandan, Consultant Surgical Oncology, reported on the first robotic nipple-sparing mastectomy performed in the region on a 60-year-old woman from Lucknow suffering from bilateral breast cancer. He explained that traditional surgery involves complete removal of the breast, nipple, and skin, causing significant psychological and emotional trauma to patients. “Using robotic technology, we made small incisions near the armpit to remove the cancerous tissue from within, preserving the skin and nipple,” he said. Dr. Anandan termed this approach “cure with cosmetic preservation,” emphasizing the ability to eliminate cancer while maintaining the body’s natural form.
“The surgery lasted about six hours, the patient did not require ICU admission, and was discharged in just three days,” Dr. Anandan added. “Previously, such surgeries were only possible in major metropolitan cities; this is the first time it has been achieved in the Uttar Pradesh-Bihar region.”
The RIA-MIND technique for robotic neck surgery in oral cancer was led by Dr. Abhimanyu Kadapathri, Consultant, Head & Neck Surgical Oncology. “Traditional surgery involves a large incision on the neck, leading to permanent scars and slow recovery,” explained Dr. Kadapathri. “With the RIA-MIND technique, we made small incisions below the collarbone, inserted robotic instruments, and removed lymph nodes from within. There were no cuts on the face or neck. The four-hour surgery not only yielded excellent cosmetic results but also demonstrated a high level of precision. This technique for oral cancer treatment has been performed for the first time in this region.”
Robotic and Laparoscopic Advancements in Colorectal Cancer
Dr. Harshit Srivastava, Consultant, Surgical Oncology, successfully treated two colorectal cancer patients using both robotic and laparoscopic techniques. He explained, “In laparoscopy, the surgeon operates directly with cameras and instruments, while in robotic surgery, the doctor controls robotic arms from a console. This provides greater accuracy, especially in complex areas like the pelvis. In both techniques, blood loss was minimal, pain was reduced, and patients recovered quickly.”
These pioneering operations by ApolloMedics’ doctors—Dr. Satish, Dr. Abhimanyu, and Dr. Harshit—are not only technically superior but also bring new hope to patients who previously had to live with post-surgical scars and emotional distress.
