Narayana Health Leads the Way with India’s First Robotic-Assisted Ampullectomy

Narayana Health, renowned for its pioneering healthcare services, has added another feather to its cap by successfully performing the country’s first-ever robotic-assisted ampullectomy. The surgery was conducted on a 60-year-old female patient, who had been diagnosed with a complicated tumour in her pancreas.

The surgery was spearheaded by Dr. Ashwini Kumar Kudari, a prestigious Robotic Surgeon and Surgical Gastroenterologist, and was executed using the cutting-edge da Vinci robotic-assisted surgery system by Intuitive. The surgical team also comprised Dr. Jayant Mulchandani and Dr. Mohammed Shies Sadat.

The patient came to Narayana Health with acute abdominal pain. A Contrast MRI had previously revealed a periampullary tumor, which indicated the potential need for a high-risk Whipple procedure. However, a PET CT scan conducted at Narayana Health suggested the possibility of a different type of tumor. The team conducted a robotic-assisted ampullectomy followed by a frozen biopsy to ascertain the nature of the tumour. The biopsy results showed it to be a rare intra-ampullary papillary tubular neoplasm, negating the need for the more perilous Whipple procedure.

Dr. Kudari, expressing his pride in the team’s achievements, stated, “This is a landmark moment for surgical gastroenterology in India. By employing the da Vinci robotic-assisted surgery system, we demonstrated the potential of robotic technology in treating periampullary tumors through a minimally invasive method. Our success is testament to the dedication of our team in striving for innovation and excellence in patient care.”

Ampullectomy involves the removal of the ampulla of Vater, a delicate structure where the common bile duct and the pancreatic duct join. Traditional ampullectomy required large incisions and was associated with post-surgical complications. However, the use of the da Vinci system enabled the team to perform the procedure minimally invasively, with its magnified vision and dexterity being key to the clinical decision-making during the surgery.

Speaking about the technological advancements, Dr. Jayant Mulchandani stated, “The da Vinci system has revolutionized surgical interventions in challenging areas like the ampulla of Vater by allowing for precision and optimal patient outcomes. This will have a significant impact in reducing post-operative complications and hastening recovery times.”

Dr. Mohammed Shies Sadat further elaborated on the merits of the robotic platform, which is equipped with advanced instruments and a high-definition 3D camera, allowing for an enlarged view of the surgical field and enabling intricate movements with utmost precision and control.

The patient, Mrs. Sheetal Kumari (name changed), shared her immense gratitude, saying, “Dr. Kudari and his team at Narayana Health Hospital were phenomenal. Though initially, I was very apprehensive, they ensured my safety and comfort throughout the procedure. I am elated with my swift recovery.”

With this success, Narayana Health has established itself as a leader in robotic pancreatic surgeries in Karnataka. The medical team, having extensive experience in robotic procedures and minimally invasive gastrointestinal surgeries, is committed to broadening the horizons of robotic-assisted surgery.

This innovative procedure at Narayana Health epitomizes the ongoing advancements in healthcare and opens new avenues in surgical interventions for complex gastrointestinal disorders.