Kolkata: Artificial intelligence (AI) and robotic-assisted surgery are opening up new possibilities in complex medical procedures, helping doctors improve surgical planning, precision and minimally invasive treatment.
At Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road in Bengaluru, robotic technology is being used across orthopaedics, oncology and urology. The hospital says its teams have performed more than 1,000 robotic-assisted joint replacement surgeries, while robotic procedures are also being carried out for head and neck, thoracic, gastrointestinal and genitourinary cancers.
Robotics in complex knee replacement
In orthopaedics, robotic assistance is increasingly being used for challenging joint replacement procedures.
Dr Samarth Arya, Consultant – Orthopaedics, Joint Replacement & Robotic Surgery, said advanced imaging and computer-assisted planning allow surgeons to develop a surgical plan based on a patient’s individual anatomy. The robotic system then helps surgeons execute that plan with greater precision.
“Robotics does not replace the surgeon. It enhances the surgeon’s ability to plan and execute surgery with precision. AI adds another layer by helping us analyse clinical and imaging data and identify patterns that may support better prediction of outcomes,” Dr Samarth said.
The hospital recently treated a 57-year-old man suffering from severe osteoarthritis in both knees, along with significant deformity and restricted movement. Following detailed imaging and planning, he underwent bilateral robotic-assisted total knee replacement using the Mako system on May 28.
According to the hospital, the patient was able to walk with a walker from the first day after surgery and reported minimal pain while moving.
Robotic surgery in cancer treatment
Robotic technology is also being used in complex cancer surgeries, where surgeons often need to operate around delicate organs and tissues.
Dr Devesh S. Ballal, Consultant – Surgical Oncology & Robotic Surgery, cited the case of a patient diagnosed with two separate cancers involving the right kidney and rectum.
He said robotic surgery enabled the medical team to address both cancers during the same surgical setting through minimally invasive techniques.
“Conventionally, these procedures would have required separate operations and large incisions. Using robotic surgery, both cancers could be addressed in the same surgical setting,” Dr Devesh said.
Greater precision in urological procedures
Urology is another area where robotic-assisted surgery is expanding.
Dr Akshay, Consultant – Urology & Robotic Surgery, said robotic systems can be particularly useful for procedures requiring fine dissection, precise suturing and careful handling of tissues.
The combination of three-dimensional magnified vision and improved instrument control allows surgeons to perform delicate procedures through smaller incisions.
“Robotic surgery has significantly expanded our ability to perform complex urological procedures through small incisions. Prostate and kidney cancer surgeries, for example, can be more efficiently performed using robotic assistance. The technology also has numerous applications in reconstructive procedures,” Dr Akshay said.
As AI and robotics continue to develop, their role in surgery is moving beyond simply assisting doctors with procedures. From personalised surgical planning to minimally invasive operations, the technology is increasingly being integrated with doctors’ clinical experience and decision-making.
For patients undergoing complex procedures, the focus remains on selecting the right treatment and using technology where it can add clinical value.
