Apollo cancer centre pioneers breast cancer surgery with new technique
This marks a new era in the treatment of breast cancers as the Telugu States witness the first uniportal-robotic assisted breast surgery (U-Rabs)
(L-R) Dr Ravindra Babu, Dir Medical Services, Telangana Region, Dr Jagdishwar Goud, Sr Consultant, Surgical Oncology, and Dr Thajammul Samrin, Associate Robotic Surg Oncologist, who performed the surgery
New Technique Highlights
- U-Rabs minimises tissue trauma, leading to less post-operative pain, faster healing, and reduced recovery time
- The Uniportal approach and precise dissection result in minimal scarring, preserving the natural breast shape and appearance
- Robotic-assisted technology enables precise tumor removal, reducing the risk of positive margins and re-excision.
- The minimally invasive approach and precise dissection result in reduced blood loss during surgery
- U-Rabs often allows for same-day or overnight hospital stays, reducing healthcare costs and patient inconvenience
Hyderabad: In a significant medical breakthrough, Apollo Cancer Centre (ACC) Hyderabad has conducted Uniportal Robotic-Assisted Breast Surgery (U-Rabs) for breast cancer first time in both the Telugu States. This innovative surgical technique, performed by Dr Jagdishwar Goud, Senior Consultant, Surgical Oncology, and his team, offers a unique blend of precision and cosmetic benefits. This marks a new era in the treatment of breast cancers in the aforementioned states.
One in nine women worldwide face the formidable threat of breast cancer. According to WHO, in 2022, 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer. As per Globcon-2022 the number of breast cancer cases in India recorded was 192,020. This is roughly about 26.6 per cent of the total 722,138 cancer cases recorded. The procedure allays the concerns of patients on the aesthetics outcome without comprising on the quality of life.
Advanced surgical techniques, like U-Rabs, prioritise minimal scarring with tissue preservation thereby ensuring that patients recover with minimal aesthetic impact. This holistic approach to cancer care acknowledges the emotional and psychological aspects of healing and empowering patients to regain their physical and emotional well-being.
Talking about the innovative surgery, Dr Goud said, “Using a single, small incision of just 3 cm in the armpit, the surgical team accessed the breast area with the advanced Da Vinci Xi arms. The procedure allows for the sparing of the nipple and areola, significantly improving cosmetic outcomes for patients. The new technique not only offers a curative approach to breast cancer but it also ensures that patients can retain their body image post-surgery. This is particularly crucial for the psychological well-being of our patients.”
Explaining the technique, Dr Goud, further added that the Sa Vinci Xi's "Endo-wrist" feature, offers greater dexterity than conventional laparoscopic or endoscopic devices, and enables precise operations in confined spaces such as the breast region. The team is also the first to have surpassed 5,000 robotic cancer surgeries (across all cancer types) in Telugu States.
Dr Ravindra Babu, Director Medical Services, Apollo Cancer Centre, Telangana Region, stated, “This ground-breaking approach represents a significant advancement in the surgical treatment of breast a cancer. The ability to perform such precise surgeries with minimal scarring is a huge leap forward in patient care. The outcomes, we are witnessing are, incredibly promising, both in terms of oncological safety and patient satisfaction.”
Expressing her relief and satisfaction, Geetha (Name Changed), who recently underwent the U-Rabs procedure for breast cancer, said, “I was extremely anxious about the surgery, particularly about the scars it might leave. But thanks to the team at Apollo and the U-Rabs technique, I feel like I’ve gotten a new lease of life. The incision is barely noticeable, and I’m recovering well. ”
Apollo Cancer Center has been at the forefront of integrating advanced technologies into surgical care, and the introduction of this new technique is a testament to this commitment. For select cases, the robotic approach offers a scar-free alternative. Early-stage breast tumors (less than 3 cm) can be effectively treated using the new technique through a small 3 cm incision in the armpit, ensuring the preservation of the nipple and areola.
