~ Remote Robotic Surgery Bridges Two Large Countries from Shanghai to
Mumbai to Redefine Surgical Access.
~ Remote Radical Prostatectomy and a Partial Nephrectomy Performed by Dr
T. B. Yuvaraja using US FDA Study Approved Telesurgery System
Mumbai :
Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital Mumbai has achieved a historic national
milestone by successfully performing India’s first international remote robotic
surgeries on two patients in Mumbai, with the operating surgeon Dr. T. B. Yuvaraja, Director (Group), Uro-Oncology and
Robotic Surgery, Kokilaben Hospital, located in Shanghai, over 5,000 kilometres
away. This marks the first clinical application in India across borders of the
Toumai® Remote Robotic Surgery System following approval by the Central Drugs
Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), and represents a significant advancement
in the country’s remote surgical capabilities.
The landmark procedures were performed on two patients in Mumbai
and included a robot-assisted radical prostatectomy and a robot-assisted
partial nephrectomy. The surgeries were conducted remotely by a specialist
surgeon located over 5,000 kilometres away, demonstrating the safety,
precision, and reliability of long-distance robotic intervention for complex
urological procedures. Both surgeries were performed remotely using the Toumai®
system, which is the only robotic surgical platform currently being US FDA
Study Approved for use in telesurgery. The procedures successfully demonstrated
real-time surgical control and high precision for uncompromised patient safety
despite the vast geographical distance.
The international surgeries were enabled by high-speed, stable
data transmission and multiple safety-assurance technologies. The system
ensured real-time surgical control with ultra-low bidirectional latency of just
132 milliseconds, allowing the procedures to be performed with the same
precision, safety, and reliability as conventional on-site robotic surgery. The
ultra-low latency ensured seamless instrument movement, precise dissection, and
reliable execution throughout the procedures.
Dr. T. B. Yuvaraja, Director (Group), Uro-Oncology and Robotic
Surgery, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospitals, who performed the surgeries
remotely, has an experience of over 4,100 robotic procedures. Commenting on the
achievement, Dr. T. B. Yuvaraja said, “Remote robotic surgery has the potential
to transform access to high-quality surgical care. Successfully performing
these procedures across two large nations reinforces our commitment at
Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital to innovation, safety, and excellence in
patient care. This achievement also opens up new avenues for offering world
class treatment across India and world over.”
The Toumai® system performed exceptionally during the procedure
with the remote control remarkably smooth, stable, and precise. It allowed the
surgeon to carry out complex procedures with the same confidence and accuracy
as an in-person robotic surgery. This milestone demonstrates that remote
robotic surgery is not only feasible, but safe and clinically effective. This
major breakthrough signals the beginning of a new era in telesurgery in India,
where geography no longer limits access to world-class surgical expertise and
technology-driven healthcare can reach patients wherever they are.
With this national first, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital has
taken a decisive step towards redefining surgical care delivery. By enabling
surgical operations across a distance of over 5,000 kilometres, the Toumai®
system has set a new benchmark for remote and smart surgery. The success of
these two procedures not only validates the potential of telesurgery but also
provides valuable clinical experience for the future development of remote
healthcare systems in India and beyond.
Dr. Santosh Shetty, CEO & Executive Director, Kokilaben
Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital said, “Being the first hospital in India to
successfully perform intercontinental remote robotic surgeries following CDSCO
approval of the Toumai system is a proud moment for our institution and for
Indian healthcare. This landmark achievement reinforces Kokilaben Dhirubhai
Ambani Hospital’s leadership in adopting cutting-edge medical technologies and
shaping the future of surgical care in India. By combining advanced robotics
with secure digital infrastructure, the hospital has demonstrated how
specialist surgical expertise can be extended across continents without
compromising outcomes. This achievement reflects our long-standing commitment
to innovation, patient safety, and clinical excellence. It opens new
possibilities for expanding access to advanced surgical care, particularly for
patients in remote and underserved regions.”
The successful execution of these procedures was made possible
through close collaboration between multidisciplinary clinical teams including
the full-time specialists at Kokilaben Hospital, hospital staff, technology
partners, and engineering teams in both Mumbai and Shanghai. Their coordinated
efforts ensured uninterrupted connectivity, rigorous safety protocols, and
flawless clinical execution.