Mangaluru: Marking a major technological leap, the Department of General Surgery at Father Muller Medical College successfully performed its first laparoscopic cholecystectomy using the Olympus Visera Elite III 4K HD 3D laparoscopy system, setting a new benchmark in surgical precision and patient care.

Precision surgery for high-risk elderly patient

The procedure was carried out on a 71-year-old man diagnosed with cholelithiasis with cholecystitis, who also had underlying diabetes, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease. Considering the patient’s comorbidities and the complexity of the case, the surgical team chose 3D-assisted laparoscopy to ensure greater safety and accuracy—a first for the institution.

Technological breakthrough in surgical care

Led by Dr. Rakesh Rai, Professor & Head of Department and Unit Chief, and assisted by Dr. Shankar Gururaj, Dr. Kevin Alfred Samuel, and Dr. Niveda B R, the team utilised the Olympus Visera Elite III system—a cutting-edge 3D laparoscopy platform that offers enhanced depth perception and high-resolution visualisation.

This advanced technology provided the surgeons with unprecedented anatomical clarity, allowing for precise dissection and minimising the risk of complications.

The surgery was uneventful, and the patient experienced a smooth postoperative recovery, reinforcing the efficacy of advanced visual guidance in complex laparoscopic procedures.

A new era in surgical training and innovation

This milestone marks the beginning of a new era for the Department of General Surgery, demonstrating its commitment to innovation, enhanced surgical training, and elevated standards of patient care.

The integration of 4K 3D laparoscopy not only benefits complex procedures but also provides residents and trainees with a superior educational tool, enabling them to visualise and understand surgical anatomy more clearly than ever before.

“This is not just about one successful surgery—it’s about embracing the future of surgery,” said the team in a joint statement. “With this technology, we aim to deliver safer, faster, and more efficient outcomes for all our patients.”