Medically reviewed by
M.Ch. Urology (CMC Vellore) · Fellowship in Urologic Oncology & Robotic Surgery (University of Miami) · NMC Reg. No. NMC/2005020914
This page is for general health information and education only. It does not replace a consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a qualified doctor who has examined you.
Robotic Urologic Surgery in Mumbai
Robotic surgery is keyhole surgery in which the surgeon controls fine instruments and a magnified 3D camera from a console. It allows complex operations in the pelvis and around the kidneys through small incisions, usually with less blood loss and a shorter hospital stay than open surgery.
How the robotic platform works
The surgeon sits at a console next to the patient and controls wristed instruments that move like a human hand, with tremor filtering and a high-definition 3D view. The robot does not operate on its own; every movement is made by the surgeon.
Robotic procedures
- Robotic radical prostatectomy – prostate cancer
- Robotic partial nephrectomy – kidney tumours, saving the kidney
- Robotic radical nephrectomy – larger kidney tumours
- Robotic radical cystectomy – bladder cancer
- Robotic adrenalectomy – adrenal tumours
- Robotic pyeloplasty and ureteral reimplantation – blockages of the ureter
- Robotic RPLND and inguinal lymph node dissection
- Robotic fistula repair
Robotic vs laparoscopic vs open surgery
| Robotic | Laparoscopic | Open | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Incisions | Several small (8–12 mm) | Several small | One larger incision |
| View | Magnified 3D | 2D (or 3D) screen | Direct |
| Instrument movement | Wristed, tremor-filtered | Straight, rigid | Hands |
| Blood loss and hospital stay | Usually lower / shorter | Usually lower / shorter | Usually higher / longer |
Cancer results depend mainly on the disease and the surgeon’s experience. The best approach is chosen for each patient.
Training
Dr. Vivek Venkatramani completed a two-year fellowship in urologic oncology and robotic surgery at the University of Miami (2015–17) and contributed to the RAZOR trial comparing robotic and open bladder surgery. See robotic vs open prostatectomy.
References
- EAU Guidelines on Prostate Cancer and Renal Cell Carcinoma, European Association of Urology, 2025 editions. uroweb.org
- Parekh DJ et al. Robot-assisted versus open radical cystectomy (RAZOR). Lancet 2018;391:2525–2536.