MNJ Institute of Oncology performs over 250 robotic-assisted surgeries strengthening gynaecological cancer care and surgical training
Hyderabad, Feb 06: MNJ Institute of Oncology, a government-run tertiary cancer centre with more than five decades of service, has conducted over 250 robotic-assisted cancer surgeries during the past 30 months, delivered free of cost to patients from economically weaker and middle-income backgrounds.
A significant proportion of these procedures have been performed for gynaecological cancers, which account for a substantial share of the institute’s surgical workload. Over 150 robotic-assisted gynaecological cancer surgeries have been carried out in the last 2 years, primarily for cancers of the cervix, uterus, and ovary—conditions that often require surgery in anatomically narrow pelvic spaces where precision is critical.
According to India’s National Cancer Registry Programme, cervical cancer continues to be among the most frequently diagnosed cancers in Indian women, contributing to a considerable share of cancer-related morbidity and mortality. While cervical cancer remains a major focus, uterine cancer is another condition where robotic-assisted surgery gives surgeons a clear advantage in delivering good outcomes.
Commenting on the institution’s approach, Dr Ramesh Maturi, HOD, Surgical Oncology, MNJ Cancer Hospital said,
“Our experience with the da Vinci surgical system has supported our ability to deliver complex gynaecological cancer surgeries within 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. As a publicly funded cancer hospital, its use is guided by careful clinical judgement, with robotic-assisted surgery adopted selectively across gynaecological, urological, and upper and lower gastrointestinal cancers to ensure meaningful benefit and sustainable use of resources for the population we serve.”
At MNJ Institute, robotic-assisted surgery has been adopted selectively for complex pelvic procedures, including radical hysterectomies and staging surgeries, especially in cases where standard laparoscopic approaches may be technically challenging.
Dr Joseph Benjamen, Director, MNJ Cancer Hospital said,
“As a public institution providing specialised cancer care, the responsibility extends beyond introducing advanced technology to ensuring it is used in a manner that strengthens access, consistency, and accountability in patient care.”
Dr Umakanth Goud and Dr Murlidhar, Professors and Unit Heads, Department of Surgical Oncology at MNJ Institute of Oncology, have been instrumental in the adoption and clinical integration of robotic-assisted surgery, strengthening both patient care and surgical practice at the institute.
Alongside being at the forefront of patient care, MNJ Institute is a premier teaching institution with a strong national reputation that attracts surgical trainees from across India. As a centre of excellence in surgical education, the institute integrates advanced technology to help public hospitals set the tone and standards for the responsible use of modern devices in patient care.
MNJ Institute said its experience reflects how advanced surgical platforms, when applied judiciously within the public sector, can contribute to expanding access to minimally invasive cancer care while strengthening training and institutional readiness.