Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Jan 29 : The Bone and Joint (B&J) Hospital in Srinagar, the only tertiary care centre for orthopaedic treatment in the valley, continues to operate without a robotic surgical system, despite its growing significance in modern medicine.
Located in Barzulla, Srinagar, this hospital conducts dozens of orthopaedic surgeries daily, but the lack of robotic-assisted technology has limited its ability to provide the most advanced and minimally invasive surgical procedures to patients.
Robotic-assisted surgery utilises specialised technology to enhance a surgeon’s precision, allowing procedures to be performed through small incisions with greater accuracy and reduced trauma to surrounding tissues.
Several doctors at the hospital, speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said there is an urgent need for robotic technology, citing its multiple benefits across various surgical disciplines, including heart surgery, gastrointestinal surgery, gynaecological procedures, thoracic surgery, urologic surgery and orthopaedic operations.
Dr Sajad, an orthopaedic surgeon at B&J Hospital, said the robotic technology has a transformative impact on orthopaedic procedures, particularly in knee and hip replacement surgeries. He said robotic-assisted surgeries enhance precision, reduce recovery time and improve overall patient outcomes by allowing for real-time imaging and 3D mapping. “This ensures that bone cuts and implant placements are made with the highest degree of accuracy, reducing the risk of errors and improving implant longevity,” he said.
According to him, traditional orthopaedic surgeries often require large incisions, which lead to longer recovery times and a higher risk of infections. Robotic-assisted surgeries, he said, are minimally invasive and result in smaller incisions, reduced blood loss and faster healing.
“The advanced technology minimises damage to surrounding tissues and muscles, leading to a quicker recovery process for patients,” he added.
Dr Irfan, another orthopaedic specialist, also elaborated on the advantages of robotic-assisted orthopaedic surgeries. He said patients who undergo robotic-assisted joint replacement surgeries often experience a shorter hospital stay, with many being discharged within a day or two. “The minimally invasive nature of robotic procedures also leads to less post-operative pain and a quicker return to daily activities,” he said.
One of the key benefits of robotic surgery, according to experts, is its ability to utilise advanced preoperative planning tools. These tools allow surgeons to customise procedures based on each patient’s unique anatomy, ensuring optimal implant positioning and alignment. This level of precision is particularly crucial in joint replacement surgeries, where proper alignment directly impacts the durability and functionality of the implant.
They said robotic systems reduce the likelihood of surgical complications and revision surgeries, thereby improving overall patient safety and long-term surgical success.
Social activists in Kashmir also voiced their concerns about the absence of a robotic surgical system at the region’s premier orthopaedic hospital.
Irfan Ahmad, a social activist from Srinagar, called for upgrading B&J Hospital’s infrastructure to ensure that patients no longer have to travel outside the region for advanced medical care. He urged Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Health Minister Sakina Itoo to take immediate action toward the installation of this crucial technology.
“The implementation of a robotic surgical system at B&J Hospital would enhance the quality of medical treatment, reduce patient referrals outside the state and strengthen the overall health infrastructure of the valley,” Ahmad said—(KNO)
