Sterling Hospitals Uses Robotic Surgery for Pancreatic Cancer
A 70-year-old Patient Recovered Quickly After Robotic Surgery At Sterling Hospitals.
A 70-year-old woman from Gujarat who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer has recovered after undergoing robotic surgery at Sterling Hospitals‘ Sindhu Bhavan unit in Ahmedabad, in what doctors describe as a medically challenging case because of her age and existing health conditions.
The patient was also living with early-stage liver cirrhosis and other medical problems when doctors discovered the cancer. According to the treating team, the tumour was found at an early stage and had not spread beyond the pancreas, making surgery possible. However, her age and underlying illnesses increased the risks linked to major surgery and recovery.
Pancreatic cancer is considered one of the most difficult cancers to treat surgically because the pancreas lies deep inside the abdomen and is surrounded by major blood vessels and other vital organs. Many patients are diagnosed only after the disease has already spread, limiting treatment options.”
According to international cancer studies, surgery remains the most effective treatment for pancreatic cancer when the disease is detected early and the tumour can be completely removed. However, these operations are among the most technically demanding procedures in cancer care and often involve longer recovery periods than many other abdominal surgeries.
Doctors at Sterling Hospitals said a multidisciplinary team reviewed the patient’s condition and discussed treatment options with her family before deciding to proceed with robotic-assisted surgery rather than conventional open surgery.
The main aim, according to the hospital, was to remove the cancer while reducing the physical stress of surgery on an elderly patient with multiple health conditions.
The operation was completed without major blood loss and without the need for a large surgical incision. Doctors reported that the tumour was fully removed during the procedure.
The patient was discharged five days after surgery and had returned to her normal daily routine within three weeks, according to the treating team.
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Robotic surgery is a form of minimally invasive surgery in which surgeons control robotic instruments from a console using high-definition three-dimensional imaging and highly precise movements. The robot does not operate independently but acts as an extension of the surgeon’s hands.
The technology has become increasingly common in India during the past decade, particularly for urological, gastrointestinal and cancer-related procedures. However, robotic pancreatic surgery continues to be offered mainly at specialised centres because of the complexity of the operation and the expertise required from surgeons, anaesthetists and intensive care teams.
Ahmedabad has emerged as one of western India’s important centres for robotic surgery, with several hospitals investing in robotic surgical systems and specialist training programmes in recent years.
Speaking about the case, Dr. Nitin Singhal, Sr. Consultant Robotic Onco-surgeon, Sterling Hospitals, said, “Pancreatic cancer surgery is among the most technically demanding procedures in cancer care. In elderly patients with multiple comorbidities, the challenge extends beyond removing the tumour; it is equally important to ensure a safe recovery and preserve quality of life. Robotic surgery offers enhanced precision and control, allowing us to perform complex procedures with minimal surgical trauma. In this case, we were able to completely resect the tumour while enabling the patient to recover rapidly and return to her normal routine within a few weeks. This outcome reflects the potential of modern technology when combined with careful patient selection and clinical expertise.”
Medical experts say that robotic surgery may offer benefits such as smaller incisions, reduced blood loss, less post-operative pain and shorter hospital stays in selected patients. These factors can be particularly important for older patients who may have diabetes, heart disease, liver conditions or other health problems that increase surgical risks.
Doctors also note that robotic surgery is not suitable for every patient with pancreatic cancer. The choice of treatment depends on several factors, including the size and location of the tumour, whether the disease has spread, and the patient’s overall health condition.
Sterling Hospitals currently operates six units across Gujarat and has expanded its use of robotic-assisted surgery in recent years as demand for minimally invasive procedures continues to grow.
Commenting on the achievement, Mr. Santosh Marathe, MD and CEO, Sterling Hospitals, said, “At Sterling Hospitals, our vision is not limited to helping patients live longer; we are equally committed to helping them live better. This case is a powerful example of how advanced medical technology, combined with the expertise of our clinical teams and a compassionate approach to care, can significantly improve patient outcomes. Sterling Hospitals offers comprehensive cancer care across 6 units in Gujarat. Senior doctors, experienced nursing teams and technologically advanced tools ensure consistent medical care at lower costs. Successfully treating a complex pancreatic cancer case in a senior patient with multiple health challenges and enabling her to return to normal life within weeks reflects our commitment to delivering world-class healthcare with a human touch.”
Cancer specialists say that advances in imaging, surgical technology and targeted treatments are gradually improving outcomes for pancreatic cancer patients, especially when the disease is identified before it spreads.
The successful treatment of an elderly patient with multiple health conditions also highlights the growing role of specialised cancer centres in handling cases that may previously have carried significantly higher surgical risks.
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