What Comes Next: Da Vinci 5, AI and the Single Port

It is definitely possible to train in robotics directly, and many surgeons find it easier to learn than laparoscopic surgery, especially if they are already comfortable with open surgery. India has a three-step pathway supported by Intuitive: Level 1 is simulation-based certification, Level 2 requires 30 to 50 procedures completed independently or under supervision, and Level 3 is advanced training. There is no requirement to learn laparoscopy first, though prior exposure helps. Most surgeons gain confidence within a year of focused training, with a trained bedside assistant supporting the docking and undocking process.

Yes. BLK-Max takes two robotic fellows every year, one in surgical oncology and one specifically in gynaecologic oncology, each for a one-year fellowship in minimally invasive robotic surgical oncology. The full application procedure and selection criteria would be shared afterward through the Jivo Healthcare team.

Cost depends on the exact procedure. For endometriosis surgery, whether it involves removing the uterus or only a cystectomy changes the figure, but in Indian currency the cost is typically 4 to 5 lakhs, roughly 4,000 to 5,000 US dollars.

A basic surgical background is required. Admission into a robotic training course in India requires an MS in Obstetrics & Gynaecology or MS in General Surgery, with at minimum some exposure to procedures such as LSCS, so the surgeon understands the underlying operative anatomy and principles. Without that foundation, the transition is very difficult. Requirements vary by country, and it would be worth checking what pathways exist locally.

Next-generation systems such as Da Vinci 5 are entering the market, with artificial intelligence integration becoming an increasingly important part of platform development, alongside broader adoption across urology, general surgery and oncology.

Single-port surgery is performed through a single small umbilical port and is currently being done in South Korea and the United States, though it is not yet routinely available across all markets.

Its application is currently limited to simple procedures where the specimen is light, such as a small uterus, a small ovarian cyst, or a cholecystectomy, rather than the more complex oncological cases that make up much of current gynaecologic oncology practice.