Mangaluru: Yenepoya Medical College Hospital, a constituent unit of Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), has achieved a significant milestone in advanced healthcare by successfully performing Mangaluru’s first tele-robotic surgery. The landmark procedure marks a major step in surgical innovation and expands access to specialised medical expertise beyond geographical limitations.
The Department of Urology at the Yenepoya Institute of Nephrourology conducted the remote robotic procedure on a 64-year-old patient diagnosed with prostate cancer. The surgery was performed by a specialist located over 2,000 kilometres away, demonstrating the precision, reliability and safety of technology-enabled robotic surgical systems.
Multidisciplinary team effort
The surgical team was led by Dr. Mujeebu Rahiman and assisted by Dr. Nischith D’Souza, Dr. Altaf Khan and Dr. Rehan Khan. Anaesthesia services were provided by Dr. Thippeswamy and his team.
Operational coordination and technical support were rendered by Dr. Santhosh Pai, Nephrologist, along with Mr. Nelvin Nelson, Deputy Manager and Chief Transplant and Robotic Surgery Coordinator. Their collaborative efforts ensured seamless execution of the procedure.
The patient’s post-operative recovery was reported to be highly satisfactory, with early mobilisation and timely discharge. The outcome underscores the clinical effectiveness and safety of tele-robotic interventions when supported by robust infrastructure and multidisciplinary coordination.
Expanding access through tele-surgery
Tele-robotic surgery enables highly specialised procedures to be performed remotely by experienced surgeons, eliminating the need for patients to travel long distances for advanced treatment. This approach is particularly beneficial for patients in remote and underserved regions, improving access to expert care while maintaining high surgical standards.
Yenepoya Medical College Hospital is currently the only institution in Dakshina Kannada equipped with three fully operational robotic surgical systems — two SSI Mantra robots and one Da Vinci Surgical System — actively deployed across urology, surgical oncology, gynaecology, cardiac surgery and general surgery.
Institutional leadership response
Chancellor Dr. Yenepoya Abdulla Kunhi, Pro-Chancellor Mr. Farhaad Yenepoya, Pro-Chancellor Dr. M. Vijayakumar, Vice Chancellor Dr. K. S. Gangadhara Somayaji and Medical Superintendent Dr. Habib Rahaman expressed pride in the accomplishment, noting that the initiative reflects the institution’s commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology with patient-centred care.
With this pioneering tele-robotic procedure, Yenepoya Medical College Hospital further strengthens its position as a regional leader in next-generation surgical care, setting a benchmark for technology-driven healthcare delivery in Karnataka and beyond.