Hyderabad’s MNJ Cancer Hospital performs over 250 free robotic-assisted surgeries in 30 months

Hyderabad's MNJ Cancer Hospital offers over 250 free robotic-assisted surgeries in 30 months, primarily for gynaecological cancers.

The MNJ Institute of Oncology and Regional Cancer Centre (MNJIO RCC), a government-run tertiary cancer centre in Hyderabad, has performed over 250 robotic-assisted cancer surgeries in the past 30 months, offering the procedures free of cost to patients from economically weaker and middle-income backgrounds.

“A significant proportion of these surgeries were conducted for gynaecological cancers, which form a substantial part of the institute’s surgical workload. Over 150 robotic-assisted gynaecological cancer surgeries have been carried out in the past two years, primarily for cancers of the cervix, uterus and ovary. These conditions often require surgical intervention in anatomically narrow pelvic spaces where precision is critical,” the hospital said.

Ramesh Maturi, head of the Department of Surgical Oncology at MNJ Cancer Hospital, said the institute’s experience with the da Vinci surgical system has enhanced its ability to deliver complex gynaecological cancer surgeries in the public healthcare system. 

“In gynaecological cancers, where surgery is often performed in anatomically narrow pelvic spaces, the robotic platform provides greater control and precision, including the ability to perform nerve-sparing procedures that can help reduce post-surgical sexual and urological complications,” he said.

Joseph Benjamen, director of MNJ Cancer Hospital, said as a public institution providing specialised cancer care, the responsibility extends beyond introducing advanced technology. 

The adoption and clinical integration of robotic-assisted surgery at the institute has been led by doctors Umakanth Goud and Murlidhar, professors and unit heads in the department of Surgical Oncology.