Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai has achieved a global milestone by robotically removing a 550-gram benign prostate from a 70-year-old patient—believed to be the largest prostate gland ever excised worldwide using robotic-assisted surgery.
The complex procedure was performed under the leadership of Dr. Sanjay Pandey, Director of Urology and Head of Andrology & Reconstructive Urology, using the advanced da Vinci Xi robotic surgical platform. The patient had been suffering from worsening urinary blockage and repeated infections for over six years. His condition posed significant surgical challenges due to existing heart-related illnesses, the presence of a pacemaker, and the extreme size of the prostate, making conventional open surgery considerably risky.
By opting for robotic-assisted surgery, the medical team avoided a large abdominal incision and minimized trauma to surrounding tissues. The robotic system enabled enhanced accuracy and stability, which were critical for safely navigating delicate urinary structures in this highly complex case.
“The da Vinci Xi system provides magnified 3D vision, wristed instruments and tremor filtration, which help us operate accurately in confined spaces. In this case, laser or telescope-based options were not feasible due to a narrow urinary passage, and open surgery would have involved a significantly larger incision with higher risks. The robotic platform helped limit bleeding, reduce the chance of urethral injury and support a faster recovery. This case also underlines the need for timely urology evaluation, as prostate enlargement that progresses over years may not respond adequately to medication alone,” said Dr. Pandey.
During the operation, surgeons first controlled blood supply to the prostate before carefully dividing the gland within the bladder cavity. Each section, weighing approximately 250 grams, was secured in separate retrieval bags to ensure safe extraction. This innovative approach allowed the completion of a minimally invasive procedure for a prostate weighing more than half a kilogram. Despite the exceptional complexity, the surgery was completed in 2 hours and 55 minutes, demonstrating the efficiency and precision of the robotic system.
Expressing relief and gratitude, the patient’s family highlighted the smooth recovery. “At his age, we were anxious about such a major intervention. Robotic-assisted surgery helped him recover quickly with minimal discomfort, and he has now resumed his routine without complications. We are grateful to Dr. Pandey and his team,” said the patient’s son, who is also a doctor.
(Photo is for representational purposes only)