Landmark achievement redefines cardiac surgery standards in the state with faster recovery and less pain
Lucknow | In a major leap forward for cardiac healthcare in Uttar Pradesh, Medanta Hospital, Lucknow, has successfully performed the state’s first-ever robotic heart bypass surgery. The groundbreaking procedure was conducted on a 75-year-old patient suffering from over 90% arterial blockage, making it one of the most significant medical breakthroughs in the state’s private healthcare landscape.
The patient, who had a prior history of heart attack and only 40-45% heart function, had declined conventional coronary artery bypass surgery due to the associated risks and long recovery time. Traditional bypass procedures involve opening the chest by cutting through the breastbone—a method that typically demands extensive recovery and is accompanied by considerable pain and the risk of post-surgical complications.
The successful robotic-assisted bypass was performed under the leadership of Dr. Gaurang Majumdar, Director of Cardiac Surgery at Medanta Lucknow. Using a 3-centimeter incision between the ribs, Dr. Majumdar and his team harvested the internal mammary artery and completed the bypass without cutting any bones. “The robotic system provided exceptional visibility and accuracy,” said Dr. Majumdar. “This technology allows us to operate with maximum precision, minimal trauma, and reduced physical strain.”
The results were nothing short of transformative. The patient was off the ventilator within five hours, walking unaided by the next morning, and discharged on the fourth day—much sooner than the average 7–10 day hospital stay following open-heart surgery.
Unlike conventional bypass surgeries that require 6 to 12 weeks for full recovery, patients undergoing robotic heart bypass can return to routine activities in just 2 to 4 weeks. In addition to faster healing, the cosmetic results are superior with virtually no visible scarring, thanks to the tiny incision size.
Robotic heart surgery employs a high-definition 3D camera system and micro-instruments operated from a specialized console, enabling surgeons to work with enhanced precision and without the fatigue associated with traditional methods. “India performs around 2 to 2.5 lakh heart bypass procedures annually,” said Dr. Majumdar. “Robotic surgery is a game-changer, especially for patients who are high-risk or hesitant about conventional methods. However, it is not suited for emergencies or cases involving complex cardiac histories where open surgery remains the best route.”
Performing such an advanced surgery also demands a combination of high-end technology and specialized training. With this milestone, Medanta Lucknow has not only showcased its cutting-edge infrastructure but has also set a new benchmark in robotic cardiac care in Uttar Pradesh.
This achievement highlights a broader trend of adopting next-generation medical technology in India and places Lucknow firmly on the map of robotic surgical innovation. As more hospitals look to emulate this success, robotic-assisted cardiac surgery is expected to transform how heart disease is treated in the country—offering patients a safer, quicker, and far more comfortable path to recovery.
