The Business Bytes
TBB BUREAU
CHENNAI, DEC 21, 2021
The Apollo Hospitals Group today announced the successful completion of the world’s first LAR procedure for rectal cancer and the first GI (gastrointestinal) surgery in the Asia-Pacific region with the Medtronic Hugo robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) system. This milestone in robotic GI surgery was achieved at Apollo Hospitals, Chennai on December 15 by Dr. Venkatesh Munikrishnan, Consultant Colorectal & Robotic Surgeon, Institute of Colorectal Surgery, Apollo Hospitals. The low anterior resection procedure, performed to remove the affected portion of the rectum, was successfully carried out using Hugo RAS system on a 60-year-oldmale who was operated on for Rectal cancer. The patient had a successful postoperative recovery.
This GI surgery using the Hugo RAS system builds on the success of the first clinical use in the Asia-Pacific region to perform a robotic prostatectomy in September of this year, also at Apollo Hospitals, Chennai.
Dr. Venkatesh Munikrishnan, Consultant Colorectal & Robotic Surgeon, The Apollo Institute of Colorectal Surgery said, “It is indeed a proud moment to have successfully performed the very first LAR procedure for rectal cancer in the world with the Hugo system. This milestone surgery will open up new opportunities for further use of the Hugo system in clinical settings. This will expand the slate of offerings for patients who come to Apollo Hospitals and I look forward to continue to use this robotic system to bring benefits of minimally invasive surgery to more patients.”
The Hugo RAS system at Apollo Hospitals will give more patients access to the benefits of minimally invasive surgery with fewer complications, smaller scars, shorter hospital stays, and a faster return to normal activities.
Dr. Preetha Reddy, Executive Vice Chairperson, Apollo Hospitals Group said, “Being one of the first hospitals in the world to use the Medtronic Hugo RAS system is testament to the pioneering efforts of Apollo Hospitals in bringing the latest and best of medical technology to the people of India. Using this for the first LAR procedure for rectal cancer in the world and the first GI surgery in the Asia-Pacific region underlines not only our dedication to minimally invasive surgery but also recognizes the expertise of our world-class surgeons. With the new Hugo™ system, we have strengthened and expanded our robotic surgery program allowing us to offer many more patients the advantages of minimally invasive robotic surgery by bringing down cost and accessibility barriers.”
