AIIMS’ first robot-assisted weight-loss surgery

Two years after a robot was used for the first time to perform a complex surgery in its urology department, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has performed its first robot-assisted bariatric (weight-loss) surgery. HT reports.

Two years after a robot was used for the first time to perform a complex surgery in its urology department, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has performed its first robot-assisted bariatric (weight-loss) surgery.

The gastric bypass procedure, wherein only a small pouch is left functional out of the entire stomach, was performed last month on Krishna Devi (name changed), who had a body mass index (BMI) of 40kg per square metre. A person with a BMI of 30 and above is considered morbidly obese.

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Dr Sandeep Aggarwal, bariatric surgeon and additional professor (surgery) at AIIMS, Dr Rajeev Kumar, additional professor (urology) and a team of six doctors conducted the surgery on April 16 that was challenging not only because of the extra kilos, but also because the patient was diabetic.

After several failed attempts at losing weight non-surgically, Devi decided to go in for surgery. “I have already lost about 10 kg since the surgery and I’m feeling better,” she said. Doctors are hoping the surgery will help control her diabetes as well.

Gastric bypass is a popular weight-loss procedure and is commonly done laparoscopically through small cuts.

“The use of robot gives many advantages including 3D vision and better control over instruments. Most importantly, it allows for precise suturing of the stomach pouch and intestine and reduces serious complications like leaks,” said Aggarwal.