Apollo Hospitals Chennai Performs World’s First Robotic Cancer Surgery Using Hugo RAS System
Chennai: Apollo Hospitals has successfully performed the world’s first robotic Video Endoscopic Inguinal Lymphadenectomy (VEIL) surgery using the Hugo Robotic-Assisted Surgery (RAS) system through a lateral approach for lymph node removal in a cancer patient.
The surgery was performed on a 40-year-old man diagnosed with penile cancer. According to the hospital, the patient recovered well without major post-operative complications.
The procedure is considered significant because surgeons accessed the operative area from the side of the thigh instead of the conventional middle approach. Inguinal lymph node removal is generally required when cancers such as penile, vulval, and vaginal cancer spread to the groin lymph nodes.
Traditionally, the surgery involves large incisions in the groin, which may lead to wound-healing complications and leakage of lymph fluid. However, the minimally invasive VEIL procedure performed with robotic assistance uses smaller incisions and precise instruments, reducing tissue damage and post-operative complications.
Apollo Hospitals stated that with the addition of the VEIL procedure, it has now completed the full spectrum of robotic uro-oncology surgeries using the Hugo RAS system, including procedures involving the prostate, kidney, bladder, and lymph nodes.
Speaking about the achievement, Dr. Ilankumaran Kaliamoorthy said the milestone reflects Apollo’s commitment to advanced medical technology and world-class patient care.
Dr. N Ragavan said the surgery was the result of extensive planning, precision, and teamwork, adding that such advancements would help improve patient outcomes in minimally invasive cancer care.
Dr. Madhav Tiwari noted that robotic-assisted procedures like VEIL significantly reduce surgical trauma, minimise complications, and enable faster recovery for patients requiring specialised cancer treatment.
The surgery was carried out by a multidisciplinary medical team led by Dr. N Ragavan and Dr. Madhav Tiwari, with anaesthesia support provided by Dr. Pradeep Chiruvar.
