Adyar Cancer Institute Expands Access to Robotic Cancer Surgeries

The Adyar Cancer Institute in Chennai has significantly expanded access to robotic-assisted cancer surgeries, with nearly 60% of these procedures conducted under free and subsidised treatment programmes. The surgeries cover a range of cancers, including thoracic, head and neck, colorectal, urological, and gynaecological, utilizing the advanced da Vinci Surgical System. The institute has also developed specialized expertise in transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for head and neck cancers, a procedure available at only a few centers in India. Each case is meticulously reviewed by multidisciplinary tumour boards to ensure appropriate clinical selection.

Robotic-assisted cancer surgery, typically constrained by high costs and infrastructure requirements, has been made more accessible through the institute's efforts, supported by institutional backing, donor funding, and a subsidised care model. This initiative aims to maintain high clinical standards while broadening access to advanced surgical options for patients from lower and middle-income groups.

Arvind Krishnamurthy, Deputy Medical Director and Head of Surgical Oncology at the institute, highlighted the benefits of robotic surgery, noting its improved precision, reduced blood loss, and shorter hospital stays in selected cases. The programme represents a significant step in making cutting-edge medical technology available to a broader segment of the population, aligning with the institute's mission to provide equitable healthcare access.