30 Minutes To Freedom, Robotic Surgery Ends 89-YO’s Swallowing Nightmare
Nashik, July 22 2025: In a historic breakthrough for robotic-assisted cancer care, HCG Manavata Cancer Centre (HCGMCC) has become the first hospital globally to perform Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS) using the CMR Versius robotic system on an 89-year-old patient with a lesion at the base of the tongue. The patient, a resident of Nashik, had been suffering from significant pain while swallowing for several months. Given his advanced age, the prospect of undergoing general anaesthesia and surgery was daunting for his family. However the pioneering surgery, led by Prof Dr Raj Nagarkar, was completed in just six minutes, with a total procedure time of less than 30 minutes; marking a new benchmark in minimally invasive head and neck oncology.
TORS is a minimally invasive technique that uses robotic assistance to remove tumours in the head and neck through the mouth, offering greater precision and less tissue damage than traditional open surgery.
“The patient posed a unique clinical challenge due to his advanced age. However, following a detailed medical evaluation and anaesthesia clearance, the team proceeded with robotic surgery, delivering extraordinary results with zero post-operative complications. The patient resumed oral intake the very next day and was discharged in stable, disease-free condition,” says Prof Dr Raj Nagarkar, Chief of Surgical Oncology & Robotic Services and Managing Director – KIMS Manavata Hospitals, HCG Manavata Cancer Centre and Six Sigma, Nashik.
The case is the first TORS globally conducted on the CMR Versius robotic platform, a next-generation surgical system known for its flexibility, modularity and enhanced precision. It also marks another milestone in Dr Nagarkar’s extensive robotic surgery portfolio, which has now crossed 1,600 robotic procedures.
“This is not just a medical achievement; it is a powerful statement on what modern surgery can offer, regardless of age. To be able to perform such a precise and complex procedure in under 30 minutes on an octogenarian with such a swift recovery is the future of surgical oncology. The success of this procedure reinforces our commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is surgically possible, especially for geriatric patients who are often considered high-risk,” concludes Prof Dr Nagarkar.
The surgical team included Dr Sirshendu Roy, Dr Vikas Jain, Dr Koustabh Kumar, Dr Mohsina Hussain, Dr Aniruddh Murli and Dr Asha Donde; anaesthesia care by Dr Nayana Kulkarni and Dr Jitendra Mahajan and post-op monitoring led by ICU Intensivist Dr Ulkesh Patil. Sister Shabana Pirzade played a key role in perioperative support.
