Apollo Proton Cancer Centre has performed two unique robotic assisted surgeries to save lives of two Bangladeshi patients suffering from cancer. Robot-assisted surgery integrates advanced technology with the experience of skilled surgeons to help the patient have a smoother and faster recovery from major operations, reduce instances of infections, and patient’s length of stay at the facility.
The first case to be witnessed in India in Pediatric age group was a low grade Mucoepidermoid carcinoma in the lower end of trachea in a 14-year-old boy. He presented with acute respiratory distress and was diagnosed with a tracheal tumor in Bangladesh, which was completely blocking the right main stem bronchus. At Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, under the care of Surgical Oncologist (Thoracic) & Robotic Surgeon, post evaluation with bronchoscopy, results showed residual tumor on the right anterolateral wall of the trachea about 2 cm from the carina. To treat the disease, he underwent robotic-assisted tracheal resection and reconstruction plus comprehensive mediastinal nodal dissection. Post-operatively, he recovered steadily without any complication and post-op bronchoscopy showed complete healing of the surgical site.
A 53-year-old gentleman complained of bleeding per rectum with hemoglobin of 4 due to Colon Cancer. He had history of Myocardial Infarction (heart attack) and had an angioplasty done recently in March 2022 with ejection fraction of only 35 percent. Thorough analysis also revealed thyroid cancer. The patient’s current condition posed high risk because of his cardiac status and dual malignancy. After cardiology consultation and anesthesia consultation, he was treated with Robotic Radical Right Hemicolectomy and conventional right Hemithyroidectomy by the Surgical Oncologist & Robotic Surgery team.
The Surgical Oncologist and Robotic Surgeon from Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, said, “I am extremely delighted with the recovery of the 53-year-old and glad that our efforts to treat dual cancers were successful. The decision to perform robotic surgery helped with early recovery and less blood loss. At APCC, high-risk cases are managed in a specialized tertiary center with excellent facilities. The advanced surgical techniques and availability of technology have improved the chances of saving a patient’s life at even advanced stages and critical complications. ”
The surgeons who had treated the 14 year old at Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, said, “The case of the 14-year-old boy was the first one ever witnessed in India in the pediatric age group . The patient had been in a constant struggle due to acute respiratory difficulty. The prior surgery he underwent of intra-bronchial incomplete resection/ lateralization of the tumor made the case more critical and urgent. We decided to go for robotic-assisted tracheal resection, reconstruction with 3 tracheal rings, and comprehensive mediastinal nodal dissection. This robotic treatment enabled us to treat the patient quickly yet with the highest precision to ensure the fastest recovery. On day 10, the tests showed complete healing of the surgical site of the trachea.”
On the occasion, Mr Harshad Reddy, Director- Operations, Group Oncology & International, Apollo Proton Cancer Centre said, “At Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, we prioritize our patients over everything. The treatments are well customized to ensure our patients are treated with finesse and recover steadily. When a patient on-boards the journey to lead a cancer-free life, we hold their hands and stand by them. We hope that we continue to touch lives across the world. It is a matter of pride that patients from SAARC put their trust and life in the hands of doctors at Apollo.”
In his address Mr Harish Trivedi, Chief Executive Officer, Apollo Proton Cancer Centre mentioned that “The Apollo Proton Cancer Centre has a state-of-the-art dedicated Robot-Assisted Cancer Surgery Unit. It offers specialized 360-degree care with the most advanced robotics system for complex surgeries. The robotic arms with Endowrist have a 360+270 degree maneuverability which is unmatched by the human hand. Robotic Surgery at Apollo Proton Cancer Centre is built on the same platform of excellence and expertise. We are committed to providing patients with an exceptional experience using cutting-edge treatment options.
