Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) is mulling to introduce robotic surgeries at the Institute to make advanced interventions in complicated health issues possible in J&K.
A high-level meeting was convened by heads of varioussurgical departments at the institute recently to discuss possibility ofintroducing high-end robotic surgical system.
Following the meeting a proposal was submitted to theinstitute administration seeking “procurement of robotic surgery system” withteaching simulator and dual console for surgical disciplines.
Director SKIMS Prof Omar Javed Shah said the Institute wasfinalising the proposal and was expecting a positive response from theGovernment.
“This (robotics) is the future of surgery,” he said, addingalthough the surgery is done by humans the robot minimises the human contact.
“There is refinement of surgical outcomes and skillenhancement with robotics,” he said.
As per the proposal the new system would improve efficacy ofsurgeons and patient care and has advantage over traditional surgical methods.
The robotic surgery offers better cancer control, less bloodloss, low risk of wound infection and faster recovery and return to routineactivities.
A senior doctor said the robot was being used in alladvanced healthcare facilities for 3D vision and 360-degree rotation ofinstruments, useful for performing complex operations.
This technology is being planned to be introduced inurology, colorectal surgery, gyneacology, ENT and thoracic surgery. “Naturallyoccurring hand tremors are filtered by robot’s computer software to allowprecise and fine movements,” the faculty and heads who were part of the meetingagreed upon, stressing upon imperativeness of its procurement.
A SKIMS official said the robotic system would cost aroundRs 20 crore and will be immensely beneficial for patients.
“In absence of this technology, in another decade, we may belosing patients as well as students who would be looking for the most advancedtreatment and education options,” he said.
The SKIMS has DM and MCh students from across India on itsrolls through NEET. The Institute was conceived as an apex institute on thelines of AIIMS New Delhi to provide state-of-art treatment and medicaleducation in J&K.
However, a senior faculty member at the institute said thatover the years, the stagnation in faculty enhancement as well as delay indevelopment of required infrastructure in line with advancements in medicalsciences to cater to increased inflow of patients has resulted in deteriorationof the Institute.
He said the Chief Secretary during his visit to SKIMSearlier this year had acknowledged the need to introduce robotic surgery atSKIMS.
“It is high time that state government pays the attention SKIMSdeserves and help it regain the glory it was once known for in the entirecountry,” he said.
An official said that AIIMS introduced robotic surgery adecade ago and the institute was in the process of getting advanced robots forspecialities like pedia surgery.