Pune’s Sassoon Hospital Performs First-Ever Free Robotic Surgery on 35-Year-Old Woman
Pune, 29th June 2025: In a major milestone for public healthcare in Maharashtra, a 35-year-old woman became the first patient to undergo robot-assisted surgery at BJ Medical College and Sassoon General Hospital (BJMC & SGH) earlier this week. The surgery, conducted free of cost, marks the hospital’s entry into advanced surgical care, making it the third government medical college in the state to offer robotic surgeries to the public, after Mumbai’s KEM Hospital and Nagpur’s Government Medical College.
The patient, who had been suffering from persistent abdominal pain for nearly six months, was diagnosed with cholelithiasis—a condition involving gallstones. Doctors performed a robot-assisted cholecystectomy, or surgical removal of the gallbladder, on Wednesday. She is expected to be discharged on Sunday, hospital officials confirmed.
Precision with Less Pain and Faster Recovery
“This patient had classic symptoms of gallstones, including intermittent pain and discomfort,” said Dr. Lata Bhoir, Head of the General Surgery Department at Sassoon. “Using robotic assistance, we performed a keyhole cholecystectomy, which significantly reduces blood loss and ensures a faster recovery.”
Unlike conventional open surgeries, the robotic method uses tiny incisions and allows for high-precision movements, resulting in minimal trauma to surrounding tissues. “Instead of a large continuous incision, we made a keyhole entry which makes a big difference in recovery time,” Dr. Bhoir explained.
Months of Preparation Behind the Launch
Though the robotic unit was procured in November 2024 by the state’s medical education department, it took nearly eight months to become operational. Delays were attributed to renovations of the operation theatre and comprehensive training required for the surgical team.
The surgical and nursing teams underwent intensive robotic surgery training at Government Medical College, Nagpur, to become proficient in handling the new system.
Bringing Costly Tech to the Masses
Calling it a major leap towards affordable and advanced healthcare, SGH Dean Dr. Eknath Pawar said, “Robotic surgeries typically cost anywhere between ₹3 to ₹5 lakh in private hospitals. Here at Sassoon, we’re offering it completely free of charge for underprivileged patients.”
Dr. Pawar highlighted how robotic systems offer surgeons enhanced capabilities. “While a human surgeon has two arms with limited range, a robot can have three to five arms that can function simultaneously and reach difficult angles. This is especially helpful in areas like the prostate, kidneys, and esophagus,” he said. Plans are underway to extend robotic surgeries to thoracic, cardiac, and gynecological cases in the near future.
Advantages of Robotic Surgery
Dr. Aashish Chavan, Associate Professor in the General Surgery Department, emphasized the clinical benefits of robotic procedures. “This technology allows for better visualization, access to hard-to-reach areas, minimal blood loss, and shorter hospital stays. It’s a game-changer in terms of precision and patient recovery,” he stated.
A Step Forward for Public Healthcare
With this successful launch, Sassoon General Hospital has joined a select group of public institutions making cutting-edge surgical care accessible to those who otherwise could not afford it. The hospital aims to expand its robotic surgery programme to benefit more patients across departments.
