In a remarkable feat, a group of Indian robotic surgeons, including Dr. Aditya Kulkarni from Pune, were honored at the prestigious ‘KS Global Robotic Surgery Innovation Competition’ organized by the Vattikuti Foundation. Their innovative contributions to the field of robot-assisted surgery have earned them well-deserved recognition on a global scale.
The competition, which saw participation from 14 countries with a total of 141 entries, provided a platform for surgical innovators to showcase their groundbreaking techniques and advancements. A distinguished panel of esteemed surgeons, including Dr. David Neal from the University of Cambridge, Dr. Rajeev Kumar from AIIMS Delhi, and Dr. Sherry M. Wren from Stanford University, had the challenging task of selecting the top three winners.
Dr. Sandeep Nayak from MACS Clinic and Fortis Cancer Institute, Bengaluru, secured the third position with his video entry, presenting a novel approach to remove thyroid tumors using minimally invasive robotic surgery. Dr. Nayak’s technique, backed by the results of 50 surgeries conducted over five years, demonstrated superior outcomes and minimal scarring.
Among the top 10 entries, Dr. Somashekhar SP and Dr. Aditya Kulkarni, both Indian robotic surgeons, showcased their remarkable contributions. Dr. Kulkarni’s video entry depicted a challenging case where robot-assisted surgery successfully addressed Median Arcuate Ligament (MAL) syndrome. This syndrome, caused by an arc-shaped band of tissue in the chest area pressing on the celiac artery, often necessitates complex surgical interventions. The innovative approach presented by Dr. Kulkarni provided a much-needed solution to this intricate medical condition.
The awards were presented during the annual ‘Humans at the Cutting Edge of Robotic Surgery’ academic symposium at Orsi Academy in Ghent, Belgium, on October 8, 2023. The Vattikuti Foundation, known for its contributions to robotic surgery advancements, hosted this event, emphasizing the importance of innovation in the field.
These recognitions not only celebrate the accomplishments of Indian surgeons but also underscore the significant strides made in the realm of robotic-assisted surgery. The innovative techniques and pioneering approaches showcased in the competition hold the promise of advancing patient care and surgical outcomes globally.
