First remote robotic gallbladder removal surgery in North East performed

The first remote robotic gallbladder removal surgery in Eastern India was performed on two patients at Swagat Super Speciality Hospital in Guwahati on September 9. 

The operations were carried out on both patients using the Made-in-India SSI Mantra robotic system. Lead surgeon Prof Subhash Khanna operated the robot remotely from Gurgaon, nearly 1,950 km away from Guwahati.

"Both patients are recovering well and are fit to be discharged within 24 hours," Prof Subhash Khanna said in a statement on September 10.
"Convincing patients for something new and innovative is never easy. I am grateful to both my patients for the blind faith they placed in me as I was not physically present near them, but they trusted me and happily agreed to undergo the surgery," Dr Khanna said.

The breakthrough was supported by Airtel’s high-speed connectivity, achieving a latency of just 40 milliseconds. 
On-site surgical assistance was provided by Dr. Areendam Barua, Dr. Pranab Das, and Dr. Supriya Choudhary, while Prof. Swagata Khanna, Director of Swagat Hospitals, witnessed the milestone in Gurgaon.

Prof Khanna said the achievement opens the door for patients in smaller cities and remote areas to access advanced surgical care through tele-connectivity.

A proud moment for India’s healthcare innovation!