KGMU Launches Robotic Surgery Services, Becomes Third Govt Institute in Lucknow to Offer Tech

KGMU currently has two ‘Made in India’ robotic systems, one donated under a CSR initiative to the General Surgery Department, and another installed at Shatabdi Phase I through a public-private partnership PPP model.

King George’s Medical University (KGMU) has launched robotic surgery services, becoming the third government medical institute in Lucknow after SGPGIMS and RMLIMS to offer the advanced procedure.

On launch day, the Department of General Surgery performed two robotic cholecystectomies (gallstone removal operations) on male patients in their 30s and 40s. Both patients are recovering well, said Prof Abhinav Arun Sonkar, who led the surgeries. He was assisted by Prof Awanish Kumar, Dr Akshay Anand, Dr Ranjith, and Dr Ayush, with anaesthesia support from Prof Vineeta Singh and Dr Dinesh.

KGMU currently has two ‘Made in India’ robotic systems, one donated under a CSR initiative to the General Surgery Department, and another installed at Shatabdi Phase I through a public-private partnership (PPP) model.

“The first 200 surgeries using the PPP-model robot will be done free of cost. While the final fee structure is being decided, it will be the most affordable in the state,” said KGMU Vice Chancellor Prof Soniya Nityanand.

“Robotic surgery is performed by doctors but with the help of advanced machines. The robot is partly attached to the patient while the surgeon controls it from a nearby console. This allows highly precise surgeries, even in narrow or sensitive areas,” she added.

A team of 16 KGMU doctors have been trained in Delhi for robotic procedures, with another 32 set for training in the next phase.

Initially, robotic surgery will be available in General Surgery, Gastro Surgery, Gynaecology, Oncology, Plastic Surgery, and Paediatric Surgery departments. A third robot dedicated to training is also planned, which will make KGMU the first in Uttar Pradesh to offer structured robotic surgery training.

Chief Medical Superintendent Prof BK Ojha, HOD Gastro Surgery Prof Abhijit Chandra, senior surgeon Prof HS Pahwa, and urologist Prof Vishwajeet Singh were present at the launch.

Robotic surgery offers several clinical advantages, including a 3D view of internal organs, precise cuts, reduced blood loss, and faster recovery for patients.

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