Chandigarh, Jan 4: The Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) on Friday completed four robotic-assisted prostate cancer surgeries in a single day, a rare feat in public-sector healthcare, hospital officials said.
The procedures, known as robotic-assisted radical prostatectomies, were carried out between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. using a single robotic surgical system at the institute’s department of urology. All four patients are stable and recovering well, officials added.
The surgeries were led by Dr. Santosh Kumar, professor in the department of urology, who said the outcome was the result of careful planning and coordination across teams.
“Robotic prostate surgery is complex and time-consuming. Completing four such procedures in a day required seamless coordination between surgeons, anesthesiologists, nursing staff and operating theatre personnel,” Kumar said.
Hospital authorities said the teams adopted a streamlined operating theatre workflow, often described internally as a “pit-stop model,” allowing quick preparation between cases without compromising patient safety.
Officials said the effort has helped reduce waiting times for prostate cancer patients, an ongoing challenge in public hospitals due to limited availability of robotic systems.
“Efficient use of robotic technology can significantly ease surgical backlogs and improve access to minimally invasive cancer care,” a senior PGIMER official said.
A department spokesperson said the initiative reflects the institute’s focus on improving patient outcomes through advanced technology while maintaining quality standards in a public healthcare setting.
