Mumbai: In a major medical breakthrough, doctors at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital successfully removed the largest prostate ever excised globally using robotic surgery on December 15. The landmark procedure involved the removal of a 550-gram benign prostate from a 70-year-old male patient, setting a new international benchmark in advanced urological care.
The surgery was led by Dr Sanjay Pandey, Director of Urology and Head of Andrology and Reconstructive Urology at the hospital. The team used the da Vinci Xi robotic surgical system to perform the highly complex operation with precision, despite the patient’s age and serious underlying health conditions.
The patient had been suffering from severe urinary obstruction for several years. His condition had progressed to an extent where routine daily activities had become difficult. Complicating the situation further, he had significant cardiac issues and a previously implanted pacemaker, making conventional open surgery extremely risky.
Doctors assessed multiple treatment options, including laser and endoscopic procedures, but ruled them out due to the unusually large size of the prostate and the patient’s narrow urinary passage. Open surgery carried a high risk of excessive blood loss and prolonged recovery. After careful evaluation, the team decided that robotic surgery offered the safest possible route.
Using the da Vinci Xi robotic platform, the surgical team gained enhanced three dimensional vision and fine instrument control. This allowed them to carefully manage blood supply, access the bladder safely, and divide the prostate internally into two sections. Each section weighed nearly 250 grams and was removed through small incisions.
The entire procedure lasted 2 hours and 55 minutes, a notable achievement given the scale and complexity of the case. Robotic assistance helped minimize tissue damage, control bleeding, and reduce surgical stress on the patient.
Following the surgery, the patient recovered well and experienced minimal postoperative discomfort. He was able to resume normal activities in a short period, highlighting the advantages of robotic surgery in reducing recovery time, especially in elderly patients with multiple medical conditions.
The patient’s family shared their relief following the successful procedure. His son, who is also a doctor, said they were concerned about the risks given his age, but the robotic-assisted approach allowed for a smooth recovery with minimal discomfort. He added that the patient has since returned to his normal routine and expressed gratitude to Dr Pandey and the surgical team.
(Rh/ARC)
