AIIMS Raipur completes 100 robotic-assisted surgeries within four months of programme launch

AIIMS Raipur has completed 100 robotic-assisted surgeries within four months of launching its robotic surgery programme, marking a milestone in surgical services in Central India. The programme is supported by a simulation-led training framework, under which five surgeons have been trained on the da Vinci platform with round-the-clock access to simulation modules. The centre has carried out procedures including nephrectomy, cystectomy, hemicolectomy, prostatectomy, pyeloplasty, hernia repairs, gastrectomy, hysterectomy, reflecting the scope of surgeries undertaken since the programme began.

Dr. Ashok Jindal, Executive Director, AIIMS Raipur, said, “Completing 100 robotic surgeries in a short time reflects the team’s disciplined approach to training and our focus on delivering consistent, high-quality care. Our priority is to ensure patients benefit meaningfully from this technology, and we are seeing that in practice: smaller incisions, less pain, reduced blood loss, shorter hospital stays, and quicker recovery. These improvements make the overall care experience smoother for patients and reaffirm the importance of building a strong, well-supported ecosystem for safe and effective adoption of the technology.”

AIIMS Raipur launched its robotic-assisted surgery programme in August this year, becoming the first government hospital in Central India to offer robotic surgery. The initiative aims to improve access to minimally invasive surgical care for patients in Chhattisgarh and neighbouring states. It also focuses on developing a structured pathway for surgeon training and academic activity, with collaboration from Dr. Debajyoti Mohanty, Department of General Surgery; Dr. Amit Sharma, Department of Urology; Dr. Sarita Agrawal, Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics; Dr. Subrata Singha, Department of Anaesthesia; and the wider AIIMS Raipur robotic team.

Dr. Debajyoti Mohanty, Professor and Head of General Surgery at AIIMS Raipur, said, “This achievement reflects AIIMS Raipur’s growing strength in robotic-assisted surgery. Improved operating efficiency is enabling us to manage more cases each day, reduce patient waiting times—especially for general surgeries—and expand access to advanced robotic care across Chhattisgarh and neighboring states.”

The progress has been supported by simulation-based training and use of Intuitive’s simulation platform, which allows surgeons to progress from basic safety tasks to advanced clinical skills. This approach has supported surgeons such as Dr. Amit Sharma, Additional Professor of Urology and Renal Transplant at AIIMS Raipur, in achieving operating times of 154 to 170 minutes for prostate surgeries, compared with a global average of about 200 minutes.

Dr. Sharma said, “The structured training, combined with focused hands-on practice on the simulation platform, made a significant difference. Within the first 10–15 days, I was able to rehearse several key procedural steps, which built my confidence and readiness for live surgery. Driven by the urgency to serve patients without delay, this preparation enabled me to begin operating within just three days of training. It also allowed me to care for more patients in a timely manner, completing 52 cases in 90 days with consistently lower console times and highly efficient prostate surgeries.”

Following this milestone, AIIMS Raipur continues its work in robotic-assisted surgery with a focus on patient access and surgeon training in Central India.