Popular television actor Dipika Kakar, who has been documenting her recovery from Stage 2 liver cancer via vlogs, has revealed that she underwent robotic surgery that is helping her heal faster. Her husband Shoaib Ibrahim explained that she had six smaller cuts for the procedure rather than a large incision. Kakar added while robotic surgery is beneficial for some cases, it’s not always feasible and her doctors had a backup plan for a potential open surgery if needed during the procedure. According to Dr Akshat Malik, Principal Consultant, Surgical Oncology, Cancer Care/ Head & Neck Oncology, Robotic Surgery, Max Hospital Saket, “It is minimally invasive, reduces pain, lowers blood loss and the possibility of infections. It enables a quicker return to daily life with shorter hospital stays.” What is robotic cancer surgery? Dr Arun Kumar Goel, Chairman, Surgical Oncology, Andromeda Cancer Hospital, says it is a type of minimally invasive surgery in which the surgeon controls robotic arms that hold tiny surgical tools and a high-definition 3D camera. The surgeon operates these instruments from a nearby console, guiding every movement in real time. “Like conventional minimally invasive surgery, robotic cancer surgery is also carried out through small incisions. In a typical robotic arrangement, there are four robotic arms. One is used for the camera and three for surgical instruments. In addition, extra instruments that create a pathway into the body are required and are handled by surgical assistants. This setup allows for more precise control of instruments and more complex movements. In addition, the surgeon can control four arms directly in contrast to only two in conventional minimally invasive surgery,” he says. What are advantages of robotic cancer surgery? Undoubtedly enhanced precision and visualisation. “Surgeons operate via 3D views and instruments with natural wrist-like articulation, allowing for extremely precise tissue handling around critical structures. This is particularly useful for anatomically challenging sites such as pelvic cancers (especially prostate cancer, rectal cancers, esophageal cancer etc). Sometimes, they lead to better surgical and staging outcomes,” says Dr Malik. In some prostate cancer reports, robotic techniques are linked to lower positive margin rates, meaning a better chance of complete tumour removal, though long-term cancer survival remains similar. It works in gynaecological and gastrointestinal cancers, too. Besides, Dr Malik says, this technique is associated with fewer post-operative complications, infection and a reduced need for narcotic painkillers. “Minor complications and quicker recovery translate into reduced overall hospitalization costs,” he says. Robotic surgery is also more adaptable to more complex patient profiles. “It offers safer surgical access in patients with obesity or multiple comorbidities, reducing the likelihood of conversion to open surgery,” he says. Besides, surgeons experience less physical strain, allowing for more precision over longer procedures. Is it a good option for all cancer patients? That depends on factors like cancer type, stage, location and the patient’s underlying health conditions. Not recommended for advanced cancers, say oncologists.
