Role of Minimally Invasive Surgeries in Gynaecologic Oncology
Senior Consultant, Gynaecological Surgical Oncology
BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi
March 29, 2026
Dr. Alka Dahiya, Senior Consultant in Gynaecological Surgical Oncology at BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi, walks through the Da Vinci robotic system, patient selection for benign and oncological indications, non-negotiable containment protocols, four illustrative surgical cases, and the BLK-Max outcomes data behind robotic gynaecologic cancer surgery.
Questions Doctors Asked Dr. Alka Dahiya
Real questions from the live masterclass, answered by Dr. Alka Dahiya, Senior Consultant, Gynaecological Surgical Oncology.
How long does it take to train to become competent in robotic surgery, what does that training cost, and is it necessary to train in laparoscopy first?
Asked by Jivo Doctor Partner (name unclear from transcript)
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.
— Dr. Alka Dahiya
Is it possible to visit your centre for training, or to join a fellowship there?
Asked by Dr. Samuel Amaize
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.
— Dr. Alka Dahiya
What is the average cost of a robotic surgery, for example a robotic hysterectomy for endometriosis?
Asked by Dr. William
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.
— Dr. Alka Dahiya
For someone coming from a general medicine background in gynaecology rather than a surgical one, what is the process for training in robotic surgery in India?
Asked by Dr. Katuga
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.
— Dr. Alka Dahiya
Read the Full Article Series
- 1.Robotic Surgery in Gynaecologic Oncology: A Complete Guide
- 2.The Da Vinci System: Why It Outperforms Laparoscopy in Gynaecologic Oncology
- 3.Patient Positioning and Why Manipulators Are Left Out of Cancer Cases
- 4.When Robotic Surgery Is the Right Call for Benign Gynaecological Disease
- 5.Choosing Cancer Patients for Robotic Surgery: The Rules That Cannot Bend
- 6.The Operating Room Rules That Don't Change With the Platform
- 7.ICG-Guided Sentinel Lymph Node Dissection: Sparing a Full Pelvic Clearance
- 8.Four Cases: How Robotic Surgery Changed the Surgical Outcome
- 9.The Data Behind the Claims: 331 Patients Across Two BLK-Max Studies
- 10.What Robotic Surgery Still Costs, in Money and in Time
- 11.Becoming a Robotic Gynaecologic Oncology Surgeon: The Training Path
- 12.What Comes Next: Da Vinci 5, AI and the Single Port