June 21, 2017: Kozhikode:The latest da Vinci Robotic Surgical system was used to perform a Thymectomy or removal of the thymus gland in a patient suffering from Myasthenia Gravis at Aster MIMS. This was the first Robotic Thoracic surgery performed at Aster MIMS after the launch in February of this revolutionary system that allows minimally invasive surgery for the patient’s benefit. This is the first time such a Robotic Thoracic surgery is performed in North Kerala. The Surgery was done by Dr Anil Jose, Robotic Cardio Thoracic Surgeon, Aster MIMS and assisted by Dr. Sanooj OP, Dr Shabeer K and Dr Guru Patel, Cardiac Anaesthetists, Aster MIMS
Myasthenia gravis is aneuromuscular disorder of auto-immune origin that leads to varying degrees of skeletal muscle weakness especially in the muscles of the eyes, face, and neck affecting swallowing. Symptoms include double vision, drooping eyelids, trouble in speaking and difficulty in walking. The thymus has been shown to play a role in the development of MG. Those affected often have a large thymus gland or develop a thymoma or tumour of the thymus. It is removed to improve the weakness caused by MG, and to remove a thymoma if present.
Dr Anil Jose, Robotic Cardio Thoracic Surgeon, Aster MIMS said, “The patient was a 42 year old female with Myasthenia Gravis. It was decided to perform a thymectomy, that is, remove the thymus for remission of the myasthenia gravis. The patient did not want any scars, so it was decided to perform a minimal invasive surgery using robotic technology. The robotic minimally invasive procedure allowed a very precise operation with minimal tissue damage in surrounding areas. In fact, the patient was given only paracetamol for post-operative pain. She will be discharged within three days”.
Theda Vinci Robotic Surgical system combines the best of science, engineering and medicine to bring an added level of safety to surgery. It gives a surgeon superior visibility of the area to be operated allowing for accurate surgery. It is 100% safe with the surgeon in control of the system at all times.Since the launch three months ago, 25 robotic surgeries have been successfully performed with theda Vinci system.
Dr. Rahul Menon, CEO, Aster MIMS said, “We are pleased that the robotic surgery system is benefitting the patients at Aster MIMS. The successful robotic thymectomy is another milestone on our mission to become a Robotic Surgery centre offering the latest developments in medical science and technology to our patients.”
