Heart surgeons in Hyderabad have been utilizing robotic-assisted heart surgeries to perform complex heart surgeries with amazing success rates. The efficiency and efficacy of robot-assisted heart surgeries are building up quite an interest. If you are one of them then here are a few frequently asked questions answered with the inputs from the leading heart surgeon in Hyderabad Padma Shri Awardee Dr Alla Gopala Krishna Gokhale.

What is robotic heart surgery?

In this method, heart surgery is performed through small incisions or holes on the side of the chest wall, instead of through traditional big incisions. Robotic-assisted heart surgery in Hyderabad is usually performed with the help of DaVinci Robot.

The DaVinci robotic heart surgery gives better magnification permitting more accurate placement of sutures and without the need for spreading the chest operation sites. This results in less pain and less bleeding. Only a handful of surgeons in the world are trained for these advanced robotic heart surgery in India, Dr Alla Gopala Krishna Gokhale is one of them.

What are the benefits of robotic-assisted heart surgery over traditional heart surgery?

Robotic heart surgery is the least minimally invasive procedure available now. As said robotic heart surgery requires smaller incisions between the ribs as compared to traditional heart surgery which needs a very large incision that is cut through the breast bone. This large incision increases the risk of unintended damage to the heart and prolongs recovery and hospital stay.

Given that robotic-assisted heart surgeries only need tiny holes through which instruments are slipped, the blood loss and scarring is drastically reduced. Less bleeding translates to lesser number of blood transfusions and fewer infections. Many times, the patient can go back to self-driving of motor vehicles and back to near normal work in 3 weeks. Also the scars are the most cosmetic.

“Even the risk of post-surgical complication is cut down, recover is accelerated, pain is less and hospital stay is shortened”, says leading robotic-assisted heart surgeon in Hyderabad, Dr Alla Gopala Krishna Gokhale.

What heart conditions can be treated using robotic-assisted heart surgery?

Robotic heart surgery is usually used for heart patients that need coronary artery bypass surgery and mitral valve repair. However, da Vinci robotic systems available today are being successfully used for a wide variety of heart conditions. Common types of robotic heart surgeries in Hyderabad today include:

• Robotic-assisted coronary artery bypass surgery
• Robotic mitral valve repair
• Robotic aortic valve replacement
• Robotic septal myectomy
• Robotic atrial septal defect repair
• Robotic-assisted removal of cardiac tumours.

For more information on different types of available robot heart surgeries in Hyderabad, please contact robotic-assisted heart surgeon Dr Alla Gopala Krishna Gokhale here.

Who is the right candidate for robotic heart surgery?

The suitability of the candidate for robotic heart surgery is only determined after running relevant diagnostic tests. These diagnostic tests include chest x-ray, cardiac catheterization, echocardiogram and a computed tomography scan. After a review of the results, the heart surgeon will further take the severity of heart disease, age current medical conditions and lifestyle into account to determine the suitability of the candidate for robotic heart surgery.

Is robotic surgery safer than traditional surgery?

Both surgeries are very safe these days. Robotic surgery reduces complications and permits the patient to recover with speed. Patients have less pain, less bleeding, fewer infections, and needless blood transfusions and get back to work in a few weeks.

How long does it take to recover from robotic heart surgery?

The recovery from robot heart surgery depends on the patient. However, on average it takes about 3 weeks for the recovery post a robot heart surgery. Few patients take even lesser time to fully recover from the surgery. To maintain and improve the heart health the patient is suggested to make healthy lifestyle choices that include:

1. Regular exercise
2. Abstaining from alcohol and smoking
3. Managing conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure
4. Eating a heart-healthy diet
5. Ensure regular medications and frequent follow-ups

What is the cost of robotic heart surgery in India?

In addition to advanced robotic systems, special disposable instruments are needed for robotic heart surgery. So robotic heart surgery costs nearly twice that of regular heart surgery and the benefits far outweigh the cost in many cases too.