World’s first LAR procedure for Rectal cancer using Medtronic Hugo™ Robotic-Assisted Surgery System

World’s first LAR procedure for Rectal cancer using Medtronic Hugo^™ Robotic-Assisted Surgery System performed at Apollo Hospitals, Chennai

                                 ~ This is also the first GI surgery performed using the Hugo^™ RAS system in the Asia-Pacific region 

                                 ~ The patients was a 60 year old male operated for Rectal cancer ~

Chennai, December 20, 2021: The Apollo Hospitals Group today announced the successful completion of the world’s first LAR procedure for rectal cancer and the first GI (gastrointestinal) surgery in the Asia-Pacific region with the Medtronic Hugo^™ robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) system. This milestone in robotic GI surgery was achieved at Apollo Hospitals, Chennai on December 15 by Dr. Venkatesh Munikrishnan, Consultant Colorectal & Robotic Surgeon, Institute of Colorectal Surgery, Apollo Hospitals. The low anterior resection procedure, performed to remove the affected portion of the rectum, was successfully carried out using Hugo^™ RAS system on a 60-year-old male who was operated on for Rectal cancer. The patient had a successful postoperative recovery.

This GI surgery using the Hugo^™ RAS system builds on the success of the first clinical use in the Asia-Pacific region to perform a robotic prostatectomy in September of this year, also at Apollo Hospitals, Chennai.

Dr. Venkatesh Munikrishnan, Consultant Colorectal & Robotic Surgeon, The Apollo Institute of Colorectal Surgery said, “It is indeed a proud moment to have successfully performed the very first LAR procedure for rectal cancer in the world with the Hugo^™ system. This milestone surgery will open up new opportunities for further use of the Hugo^™ system in clinical settings. This will expand the slate of offerings for patients who come to Apollo Hospitals and I look forward to continue to use this robotic system to bring benefits of minimally invasive surgery to more patients.”

The Hugo^™ RAS system at Apollo Hospitals will give more patients access to the benefits of minimally invasive surgery with fewer complications, smaller scars, shorter hospital stays, and a faster return to normal activities.

Dr. Preetha Reddy, Executive Vice Chairperson, Apollo Hospitals Group said, “Being one of the first hospitals in the world to use the Medtronic Hugo^™ RAS system is testament to the pioneering efforts of Apollo Hospitals in bringing the latest and best of medical technology to the people of India. Using this for the first LAR procedure for rectal cancer in the world and the first GI surgery in the Asia-Pacific region underlines not only our dedication to minimally invasive surgery but also recognizes the expertise of our world-class surgeons. With the new Hugo^™ system, we have strengthened and expanded our robotic surgery program allowing us to offer many more patients the advantages of minimally invasive robotic surgery by bringing down cost and accessibility barriers.”

About Apollo Hospitals:

It was in 1983, that Dr. Prathap C Reddy made a pioneering endeavour by launching India’s first corporate hospital – Apollo Hospitals in Chennai. Now, as Asia’s foremost trusted integrated healthcare group, its presence includes over 12,000 beds across 72 Hospitals, 3800+ Pharmacies, over 90 Primary Care clinics and 650 Diagnostic centers, 148 plus Telemedicine Centres, over 15 medical education centres and a Research Foundation with a focus on global Clinical Trials, epidemiological studies, stem cell & genetic research, Apollo Hospitals has been at the forefront of new medical advancements with the most recent investment being the commissioning of South East

Asia’s very first Proton Therapy Centre in Chennai. Every four days, the Apollo Hospitals Group touches a million lives, in its mission to bring healthcare of international standards within the reach of every individual. In a rare honour, the Government of India had issued a commemorative stamp in recognition of Apollo’s contribution, the first for a healthcare organization. Apollo Hospitals Chairman, Dr. Prathap C Reddy, was conferred with the prestigious Padma Vibhushan in 2010. For 37 years, the Apollo Hospitals Group has continuously excelled and maintained leadership in medical innovation, world-class clinical services and cutting-edge technology. Its hospitals are consistently ranked amongst the best hospitals in the country for advanced medical services.