more-in A day-long conference on the latest developments in gynaecological cancer treatment organised by Mahatma Gandhi Cancer Hospital and Research Institute (MGCHRI) and Obstetric and Gynaecological Society of Visakhapatnam (OGSV), was inaugurated by Dr. G. Rama Krishnam Raju, an eminent gynaecologist, here on Sunday. Robotic surgery was performed on a uterine cancer patient at Mahatma Gandhi Hospital and transmitted live to the venue of the conference. Dr. Murali Krishna Voonna, MD of MGCHRI, said they had introduced da Vinci Robotic Surgical Systems, which was the first of its kind in Andhra Pradesh, and so far, more than 50 surgeries were performed at the hospital. Over 150 gynaecologists from Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam districts participated in the conference. The robotic surgery was being used to treat kidney, bladder, oesophagus and pancreatic cancers. Some non-oncology cases were also being treated through robotic surgery, Dr. Murali Krishna Voona said. Reduced risk The advantages of robotic surgery are quick recovery and return to normal activities, better cure, reduced risk of infection in view of the smaller incisions made, reduced blood loss and shorter hospitalisation. He said that a simulator was being launched at the hospital at MVP Colony. The distributor company would make it available for doctors from various hospitals for practice during the next 20 days. Danayya (75), who underwent a robotic surgery for prostrate cancer at the hospital on June 21, said, “I was ready to go home on the second day after the surgery, but was advised to stay for one more day. I did not have any complication after the surgery,” he said. Dr. Murali Krishna said that an open surgery would take at least three weeks to heal in Danayya’s case. “His condition was detected early and after counselling he agreed to undergo robotic surgery. Robotic surgeries cost twice or sometimes thrice the cost of laparoscopic and open surgeries and is not advised in all cases. Only FDA approved surgeries will be done under robotic system,” he added.

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