A Mumbai-based hospital successfully carried out remote robotic surgeries on two patients, with the operating surgeon located in Shanghai, demonstrating major progress in medical technology in India.
The surgeries were performed by Dr. T. B. Yuvaraja, director (Group) of Uro-Oncology and Robotic Surgery at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, who operated from Shanghai, more than 5,000 kilometres away.
Mumbai Hospital Performs Remote Robotic Surgeries With Surgeon Operating From Shanghai
The hospital described the achievement as historic, as it marked the first cross-border clinical use of the Toumai Remote Robotic Surgery System in India.
This was made possible after the system received approval from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation.
The hospital stated that this development represents a significant step forward in India’s ability to perform remote and long-distance surgeries.
The two procedures carried out in Mumbai included a robot-assisted radical prostatectomy and a robot-assisted partial nephrectomy.
These surgeries showed that long-distance robotic surgery can be safe, precise, and reliable even for complex urological operations.
The procedures were performed using the Toumai system, which is currently the only robotic surgical platform approved under a U.S. Food and Drug Administration study for use in telesurgery.
Despite the large geographical distance between the surgeon and patients, the surgeries demonstrated real-time control and high precision without compromising patient safety.
High-Speed Data and Safety Technologies Enable International Remote Surgeries
The international procedures were made possible through high-speed and stable data transmission combined with multiple safety-assurance technologies.
The system operated with an ultra-low two-way latency of just 132 milliseconds, enabling real-time surgical control.
This low latency allowed the surgeries to be performed with the same level of precision, safety, and reliability as standard on-site robotic surgery.
Seamless instrument movement, accurate dissection, and consistent execution were maintained throughout the procedures.
Dr. Yuvaraja, who has performed more than 4,100 robotic surgeries, led the procedures remotely.
Commenting on the achievement, he said, “Remote robotic surgery has the potential to transform access to high-quality surgical care. This achievement also opens up new avenues for offering world class treatment across India and world over.”
The Toumai system enabled the surgeon to perform complex procedures with the same confidence and accuracy as if he were physically present in the operating room.
Dr. Santosh Shetty, CEO and executive director of the hospital, described the accomplishment as a proud moment for both the institution and Indian healthcare.
He stated, “Being the first hospital in India to successfully perform intercontinental remote robotic surgeries following CDSCO approval of the Toumai system is a proud moment for our institution and for Indian healthcare.”
He added that the success opens new opportunities to expand access to advanced surgical care, especially for patients living in remote and underserved areas.
