New Delhi, May 10 — In a landmark medical development, a 37-year-old woman with a long history of recurrent breast cancer has become the first patient in North India to undergo a minimally invasive robotic-assisted breast cancer surgery. The breakthrough procedure was conducted at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, which claims this to be a pioneering case in the region.
Trailblazing Surgery for High-Risk Cancer Patient
The patient, who was BRCA gene mutation-positive and had battled triple-negative breast cancer since 2017, had already undergone a series of intensive treatments — including chemotherapy, multiple lumpectomies, radiotherapy, and a salpingo-oophorectomy. Owing to her heightened risk of cancer recurrence, she was admitted for a preventive and reconstructive bilateral breast surgery.The surgical intervention combined both conventional and robotic techniques. Led by Dr. Ramesh Sarin (Senior Consultant – Surgical Oncology) and Dr. Arun Prasad (Senior Consultant – Gastrointestinal, Bariatric, and Robotic Surgery), the multidisciplinary team also included Dr. Parag Sharma, Dr. Jayanti Tumsi, and Dr. Sandip Bipte.
A Precision-Driven Robotic Approach
Utilising the advanced da Vinci Robotic Surgical System, surgeons performed a nipple-sparing mastectomy on the right breast. For the left breast — previously subjected to lumpectomies and radiation — a conventional mastectomywas done, followed by reconstruction using a musculo-cutaneous flap and implant.The robotic system allowed for heightened precision and control, significantly reducing surgical trauma and preserving healthy tissue. The patient responded well to the surgery, recovered swiftly, and was discharged in stable condition.
A Step Into the Future of Oncological Surgery
“This procedure represents the future of breast cancer surgery,” said Dr. Ramesh Sarin. She stressed that robotic-assisted methods enable accurate removal of cancerous tissues while safeguarding surrounding healthy structures. However, she also noted that careful patient selection is critical for such advanced procedures.Dr. Arun Prasad highlighted the broader impact of this innovation:
He added that the technique improves cosmetic and functional outcomes while enhancing surgical safety and accuracy.
This milestone signals a significant leap for breast cancer treatment in India, offering hope for patients seeking less invasive yet highly effective surgical options.