Dr Swapna Misra, Director of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Fortis Hospital Mohali, who is also a Robotic Laparoscopic and Cancer Surgeon, is a well-renowned gynaecologist of India. In an exclusive interview with the Heaven Mail, she talks to Rameez Makhdoomi.
Q1. How do you view Robotic intervention in surgery related to Gynaecological Healthcare?
Robot-aided surgery has in the past few years been a big boon for the healthcare sector, especially to treat gynaecological diseases with ease, comfort and safety. If a woman has fibroids or a cyst in her uterus or ovary then her these organs can be saved by removing the fibroids and cysts through Robotic Surgery.
Q2. What is the safety prospect of Robotic surgery?
So far, I have conducted more than 500 Robotic surgeries with excellent surgery outcomes. Robotic Surgery ensures minimal blood loss, less pain, less scarring, shorter hospital stay and faster recovery.
Q3. Tell us about the Robotic Surgery procedure?
Fortis Hospital Mohali has the world’s most advanced 4th Generation Robot – Da Vinci Xi, through which Robot-aided Surgeries are conducted. Robot-aided Surgery is the latest form of minimal invasive surgery, which provides a 3D view of the operative field via a special camera inserted into the body of the patient. Parts of the body which are difficult to reach with the human hand can be accessed through robot-assisted arms that can rotate 360 degrees.
Q4. How was the initial response like?
The initial response related to Robotic Surgery was a bit skeptical. However, after seeing the success rate of Robotic Surgery, the procedure has become an ideal treatment option.
Q5. How do you view it opposed to other modes of surgery?
The open mode of surgery or laparoscopic surgery does not offer this level of comfort and outcome as compared to Robotic Surgery. Though the cost of Robotic Surgery is a little more, but its benefits such as less blood loss, less pain, less scarring, shorter hospital stay, faster recovery, less use of antibiotics, and organ-saving ability make it a preferred mode of treatment.
Q6. Tell us about a successful case study that you conducted recently?
An 18-year-old girl had been experiencing chronic pelvic pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, bloating and pain during urination. This had not only affected her health badly, but she was unable to conduct her routine activities too. When her symptoms refused to subside, she finally consulted me.
Medical examinations revealed that the Patient had dysmenorrhea – a disorder characterized by severe menstrual pain and cramps. Further, an ultrasound revealed two large benign cysts (measuring 13cmx10 cm) around both the ovaries.
Earlier, removal of the ovary was the standardized treatment for women having cysts around ovaries. However, in this particular case, to help the Patient conceive in future, I decided to treat her through Robot-aided Surgery.
The team of doctors led by me conducted Bilateral Cystectomy (removal of ovarian cyst) and Adhesiolysis (remove adhesions from inside the uterus) on the Patient through robotic arms and saved her ovary. She was discharged two days post the surgery and is leading a healthy life now.
Q7. Your message to young boys and girls facing infertility issues?
Consume a balanced diet and introduce exercise in your daily routine. Try to plan a baby before 35 years of age. Late marriage should be avoided.
Q8. How can we improve Gynaecological health?
First and foremost is population control. Until and unless we don’t control our population, we can’t ensure less stress on the resources. Efforts need to be taken to upgrade healthcare facilities in our country.
