Himachal Pradesh Achieves Milestone with First Robotic Colon Cancer Surgery
Shimla's IGMC performs Himachal's first robotic colon cancer surgery
Asianet Newsable
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Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital (IGMC) in Shimla has successfully performed Himachal Pradesh's first robotic surgery for colon cancer, a significant advancement in healthcare for the region. The surgery, conducted on May 20, was completed at a fraction of the cost typically charged by private hospitals, making this advanced treatment more accessible to economically disadvantaged patients.
- 01The robotic surgery was performed on a migrant labourer diagnosed with colon cancer, who is now recovering well.
- 02Robotic surgery at IGMC costs around ₹30,000 (approximately $360 USD), compared to ₹5 lakh (about $6,000 USD) in private hospitals.
- 03IGMC has conducted a total of 44 robotic surgeries, including gall bladder and stomach cancer procedures.
- 04The May 20 surgery was noted for its complexity due to the nature of the tumour.
- 05Plans are underway to expand robotic surgery services for more complicated procedures in the future.
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Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital (IGMC) in Shimla has marked a significant milestone by successfully performing Himachal Pradesh's first robotic surgery for colon cancer on May 20. The patient, a migrant labourer from Kinnaur, is reportedly recovering well and resumed normal eating within four days post-surgery. This advanced procedure, described as highly complex by the medical team, offers notable benefits such as minimal blood loss, reduced pain, and quicker recovery times compared to traditional methods. The cost of the surgery at IGMC was approximately ₹30,000 (around $360 USD), significantly lower than the ₹5 lakh (about $6,000 USD) charged in private facilities, making it more accessible for economically weaker patients. To date, IGMC has performed 44 robotic surgeries, with plans to expand services to include more complex procedures. However, the hospital faces challenges in providing these surgeries for free due to high consumable costs. The introduction of affordable robotic surgery is expected to greatly benefit the underserved population in Himachal Pradesh, enhancing access to world-class healthcare within the state.
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The successful introduction of robotic surgery at IGMC provides a crucial healthcare option for economically disadvantaged patients in Himachal Pradesh, making advanced cancer treatment more accessible.
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