Live Discussion with Dr. Alka Dahiya
Questions doctors asked during the Jivo Masterclass on Role of Minimally Invasive Surgeries in Gynaecologic Oncology, taught by Dr. Alka Dahiya, Senior Consultant, Gynaecological Surgical Oncology, BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi, India, on . Written by Jivo Healthcare from the transcript of the session, drafted with AI assistance and edited by the Jivo team.
How long does it take to train to become competent in robotic surgery, and should a surgeon train in laparoscopy first or is it possible to train in robotic surgery directly?
Asked by Dr. Isaiah
It is definitely possible to train in robotics directly. Many surgeons find it easier to learn robotic surgery than laparoscopic surgery, because a surgeon who is good at open surgery finds it relatively easy to convert to robotics. In India, training with the support of Intuitive, the leading robot distributor, has three steps. Level 1 is simulation, where you practise on a system how to operate on a live patient and are certified for it. Level 2 follows once you have completed at least 30 to 50 procedures on your own or with help, and you then move on to advanced training. It does not take a lot of time. I have performed around 300 robotic surgeries, and I started feeling confident after around 50. It is important to have a bedside assistant who helps with docking and undocking. There is no need to learn laparoscopy first: exposure to minimally invasive surgery helps, but it is very much possible to go directly from open surgeon to robotic surgeon. Within one year you will be confident in your robotic approaches, and there are numerous fellowships in India that can help you train.
Answered by Dr. Alka Dahiya
Is single-port robotic surgery being done, and where?
Asked by Dr. Isaiah
Single-port surgeries are not being done in India right now. They are done in South Korea, where I watched a surgeon perform an ovarian cystectomy through a single 2 centimetre umbilical port, and in the USA. It is slowly coming in, but it is applicable only to simple surgeries where the specimen is light, such as a small uterus, a small ovarian cyst or a cholecystectomy.
Answered by Dr. Alka Dahiya
Is it possible to come to your centre to train with you, or to join your fellowship?
Asked by Dr. Samuel Amaize, Nigeria
There are definitely possibilities. We take in two robotic fellows every year, one for surgical oncology and one specifically for gynaecologic oncology. It is a one-year fellowship in minimally invasive surgical oncology, that is, robotic surgical oncology or robotic gynaecologic oncology. I will find out the complete details of the application process and connect with you on that.
Answered by Dr. Alka Dahiya
Since the cost of robotic surgery is still high, what is the average cost of, for example, a robotic hysterectomy or robotic surgery for endometriosis?
Asked by Dr. William Gadaga, Zimbabwe
For endometriosis surgery it depends on exactly what is being done, whether the uterus is removed or only a cystectomy is performed. In Indian money, the cost comes to anywhere between 4 and 5 lakh rupees.
Answered by Dr. Alka Dahiya
For someone coming from a general practice or non-surgical background in gynaecology who eventually wants to train in robotic surgery, what is the process in India?
Asked by Dr. William Gadaga, Zimbabwe
I will have to find out, but our basic criterion for admission into a robotic course, as per Indian rules, is a background in MS Obstetrics and Gynaecology or MS General Surgery. Every country has different norms of practice. A surgical background is needed, at least LSCS or some other surgery, so that the trainee knows the basics. That is very important; otherwise the person may find it very difficult to understand the procedure.
Answered by Dr. Alka Dahiya
In This Series: Role of Minimally Invasive Surgeries in Gynaecologic Oncology
- 1.Robotic Surgery in Gynaecologic Oncology
- 2.Who Is Suitable for Robotic Gynaecological Cancer Surgery
- 3.Robotic Gynaecological Cancer Surgery Outcomes: Four Cases
- 4.Live Discussion with Dr. Alka Dahiya