The Department of Paediatric Surgery at JIPMER, Puducherry, has achieved a remarkable milestone with the successful completion of 500 robotic-assisted surgical procedures in children. This significant accomplishment reflects the department's sustained commitment to advancing paediatric surgical care through cutting-edge technology while ensuring that such services remain accessible to children from all socio-economic backgrounds.
JIPMER's paediatric robotic surgery programme was initiated in 2018, marking a pioneering step in the adoption of robotic-assisted surgery for children in a government-funded tertiary care institution. The programme was launched by Dr. Kumaravel S. and Dr. Bibekanand Jindal, who acquired the initial certifications to perform robotic procedures in paediatric patients. Subsequently, Dr. Bikash Kumar Naredi and Dr. Krishna Kumar G. were also certified, further strengthening the department's expertise and expanding the scope of advanced surgical services offered to children.
Over the years, the department has successfully performed a wide range of complex robotic procedures involving the urinary, gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary, thoracic and reconstructive systems. These include pyeloplasty for pelviureteric junction obstruction, ureteric reimplantation for vesicoureteric reflux, choledochal cyst excision and reconstruction, repair of diaphragmatic eventration, surgeries for achalasia and hiatus hernia, robotic-assisted anorectal pull-through procedures, vaginal reconstruction and several other intricate paediatric surgical interventions. The achievement of 500 robotic surgeries stands as a testament to the department's growing expertise and the trust reposed in it by patients and families from across the region and beyond.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Krishna Kumar G., Professor and Head, Department of Paediatric Surgery, noted that reaching the milestone of 500 robotic surgeries reflects years of dedicated teamwork, continuous skill development and institutional support. He emphasized that robotic technology has enabled surgeons to perform highly complex procedures with greater precision and has significantly enhanced outcomes for children requiring advanced surgical care.
Robotic-assisted surgery offers several advantages in paediatric patients, including smaller incisions, reduced postoperative pain, minimal blood loss, shorter hospital stays, faster recovery and improved cosmetic outcomes. These benefits are particularly important in children, where precision and minimal tissue trauma play a crucial role in ensuring optimal long-term results.
A defining feature of JIPMER's robotic surgery programme has been its ability to bring highly advanced surgical care within the reach of ordinary families. Procedures that often entail substantial expenditure in corporate healthcare settings are being delivered to children through JIPMER's public healthcare framework, enabling many economically disadvantaged patients to access state-of-the-art treatment without the financial burden that would otherwise accompany such specialized interventions. This achievement highlights how technological excellence can be effectively combined with JIPMER's longstanding commitment to equitable and affordable healthcare.
The department acknowledged the invaluable contribution of the Department of Anaesthesiology, nursing personnel, robotic operation theatre technicians and various ancillary services whose collective efforts have been instrumental in the success of the programme. The dedication of faculty members, residents, nurses and support staff of the Department of Paediatric Surgery has also played a crucial role in achieving this landmark milestone.
Congratulating the team on this exceptional achievement, Dr. Vir Singh Negi, Director, JIPMER, commended the Department of Paediatric Surgery for its pioneering work in advancing robotic surgery for children. He observed that the milestone reflects JIPMER's commitment to excellence in patient care, innovation and academic leadership, while simultaneously ensuring that the benefits of modern medical technology reach patients irrespective of their economic circumstances. He appreciated the efforts of all departments and personnel involved in making this achievement possible and expressed confidence that JIPMER would continue to set new benchmarks in advanced and accessible healthcare.
The completion of 500 robotic surgeries in children marks a significant chapter in JIPMER's journey of medical innovation and patient-centred care, further strengthening its position as a national leader in advanced paediatric surgical services.