Manipal Hospital, Dwarka, has successfully performed five complex cancer surgeries in a single day using the next-generation da Vinci 5 robotic surgical system. The procedures involved patients diagnosed with cancers of the tongue, gallbladder, urinary bladder and endometrium, highlighting the growing role of advanced robotic technology in cancer treatment.
The surgeries were conducted under the leadership of Dr Surender Kumar Dabas, Chairman, Manipal Comprehensive Cancer Centre and Onco Robotic Surgeries, along with his surgical team.
The procedures covered a range of complex oncological conditions. These included robotic neck dissection for a 52-year-old man with tongue cancer, radical cholecystectomy for a 60-year-old woman with gallbladder cancer and radical cystectomy for a 73-year-old man diagnosed with urinary bladder cancer. Two additional procedures were performed on women aged 50 and 53 for endometrial cancer.
The da Vinci 5 robotic platform incorporates more than 150 design enhancements, combining high-definition 3D visualisation, advanced instrument control, enhanced computing capabilities and force feedback technology. The latter enables surgeons to sense the pressure applied to tissues through the robotic controls, supporting greater precision during delicate surgical procedures.
Such technological advancements can be particularly valuable when operating close to critical organs, blood vessels and sensitive tissues. For appropriately selected patients, robot-assisted surgery may offer benefits such as smaller incisions, reduced blood loss, less post-operative discomfort and faster recovery, depending on the complexity of the procedure and individual patient factors.
Highlighting the significance of robotic assistance in complex cancer operations, Dr Surender Kumar Dabas said, “Cancer surgeries can be particularly challenging when tumours are located close to vital organs, blood vessels and delicate tissues. With these new advancements coming in, patients’ trauma in these complex surgeries is minimised.”
He further added, “Performing five different cancer surgeries in a single day highlights the transformative power of robotic surgery in modern oncology. Robot-assisted techniques provide surgeons with unmatched precision, 3D visualization, and advanced navigation, making tumor extraction easier and leading to gentler patient care.”
The successful completion of five different robotic cancer surgeries in one day reflects the expanding application of advanced surgical technology in oncology. By combining specialised clinical expertise with next-generation robotic systems, hospitals are strengthening their ability to deliver precise, minimally invasive and patient-focused cancer care.