The Indian healthcare community has achieved a groundbreaking milestone with the successful completion of the world’s first pediatric pyeloplasty telesurgery performed using the Made-in-India Mantra 3 surgical robotic system. The intricate surgery was conducted on a 16-month-old child located at Preeti Urology & Kidney Hospital, Hyderabad, while the surgical team led by Dr. Chandra Mohan Vaddi operated remotely from SS Innovations’ state-of-the-art facility in Gurugram, nearly 1,550 kilometers away.
This pioneering procedure showcases how advanced telesurgery technology, combined with robotic precision, can safely expand access to highly specialized pediatric surgeries even in geographically remote or underserved areas.
What Makes This Surgery a Game-Changer?
Pyeloplasty, a delicate reconstructive surgery to correct ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO), demands extreme precision, especially in tiny pediatric patients. The Mantra 3 robotic system features modular multi-arm dexterity, high-definition 3D imaging, and latency-optimized remote control—enabling surgeons to perform these complex procedures with exceptional accuracy from a distant location.
Compared to traditional open or laparoscopic surgery, robotic telesurgery offers:
- Less invasiveness and trauma with smaller incisions
- Tremor-free, more precise surgical movements
- Drastically reduced recovery times and hospital stays
- The ability to bring expert surgical care to remote hospitals without patient transfers
Dr. Sadashiv Bhole’s Insight on This Revolutionary Breakthrough
As one of India’s most seasoned experts and pioneers in robotic urology, Dr. Sadashiv Bhole hailed the surgery as a significant leap forward:
“The successful completion of this world-first pediatric pyeloplasty telesurgery using an indigenous robotic system is a watershed moment in Indian and global surgical care. Pediatric surgeries require unparalleled precision, and the ability to perform this remotely underscores the significant advancements we have made in robotic systems and connectivity infrastructure.
This procedure is a testament to how India is innovating on the global stage, producing technology that not only rivals international systems but pioneers new surgical paradigms. It will drastically enhance access to complex surgeries for children in rural and under-resourced regions, democratizing world-class healthcare.”
The Future of Robotic Telesurgery and Pediatric Care in India
This historic accomplishment builds on SS Innovations’ growing portfolio of over 50 telesurgeries performed using the Mantra system across various specialties, some conducted over distances up to 4,000 miles. The company is actively developing smaller robotic instruments aimed at further refining pediatric surgical capabilities.
Robotic telesurgery is set to revolutionize healthcare delivery in India by:
- Bringing expert surgeons to remote and tier-2 hospitals virtually
- Overcoming workforce shortages and geographic barriers in specialized care
- Improving surgical outcomes and patient experiences through technology
- Enabling remote surgical education, collaboration, and quality assurance
Conclusion
With visionary leaders like Dr. Chandra Mohan Vaddi and champions like Dr. Sadashiv Bhole advancing robotic urology, India is poised to become a global hub for cutting-edge surgical innovation. The Mantra robotic system’s success heralds a future where advanced robotic telesurgery provides equitable, high-quality care to all patients — whether in metropolitan centres or the most remote corners of the country.
