Surgeries conducted robotically in Kolkata while operating surgeons were nearly 1,500 km away
Kolkata, 6th March 2026: Fortis Hospital & Kidney Institute, Kolkata has achieved a major breakthrough in advanced robotic and remote surgical care by successfully performing Eastern India’s first robot-aided tele-surgeries. The procedures were conducted using the cutting-edge SSI Mantra 3 robot-aided surgical system over a high-speed dedicated 5G internet connection, with operating surgeons located nearly 1,500 km away. The surgeries were conducted across three locations — Kolkata and Faridabad — and were performed robotically through telesurgery by clinicians operating from New Delhi and Kolkata.
The procedures were led by Dr. R. K. Gopala Krishna, Director – Urology & Uro-Oncology, and Dr. Shrinivas Narayan, Director – Urology, Fortis Hospital & Kidney Institute, Kolkata. The three complex procedures demonstrated the precision of robotic technology and the clinical reliability of tele-surgical systems in India. This also highlighted the growing strength of the country’s digital healthcare infrastructure and opening new possibilities for delivering expert surgical care across geographical barriers.
The first case involved a middle-aged woman from Kolkata with a large adrenal tumour located near major blood vessels and vital organs. The tumour was removed with exceptional precision through remote robotic surgery. The second procedure was on a young woman diagnosed with pelviureteric junction (PUJ) obstruction, a congenital blockage affecting kidney drainage. The team performed an advanced reconstructive procedure—pyeloplasty—requiring fine suturing and high precision despite the long-distance setup.
In both the cases, the patients were in Kolkata, while the doctors were based in Delhi. The patients were already dealing with underlying health challenges, and as their conditions began to worsen, travelling long distances to Delhi for treatment was not medically advisable and could have further deteriorated their condition.
In the third case, a 70-year-old man from Faridabad was diagnosed with a 9 cm cancerous kidney tumour and was unable to travel. Following virtual evaluation, he underwent a Tele-Robotic Partial Nephrectomy. The tumour was removed while preserving the remaining kidney. With a strict 30-minute clamp window to prevent permanent damage, the surgical team completed tumour removal and reconstruction within 22 minutes. The patient required no blood transfusion, was extubated smoothly, and is recovering well with discharge expected within 2–3 days. This marks one of the first highly complex tele-robotic partial nephrectomies in India for a tumour of this size.
All the three surgeries were successfully completed, with smooth post-operative recovery. The patients benefited from minimally invasive robotic surgery, including reduced pain, minimal blood loss, faster healing, and shorter hospital stays. This achievement represents a transformative step in modern healthcare delivery and marks Eastern India’s first successful tele-surgical procedures of this scale.
Giving details of the cases, Dr. R. K. Gopala Krishna, Director – Urology & Uro-Oncology, Fortis Hospital & Kidney Institute, Kolkata said, “Tele-surgery allows surgeons to operate remotely using robot-aided systems, high-speed connectivity, and real-time 3D imaging. It helps overcome geographical barriers, reduces the need for patient travel, lowers infection risks, enhances surgical accuracy, and enables faster recovery. This technology addresses the shortage of specialized surgeons and ensures timely, high-quality surgical care while reducing financial burden and travel-related risks.”
Dr. Shrinivas Narayan, Director, Urology & Uro-Oncology at Fortis Hospital & Kidney Institute, Kolkata said, “Robotic telesurgery has evolved from a futuristic concept into a clinically reliable and patient-safe reality. Performing complex procedures from nearly 1,500 kilometres away requires advanced technology, precision, coordination, and trust between on-site and remote teams. The success of these surgeries proves that distance is no longer a barrier to world-class surgical care.”
Ms. Richa S Debgupta, Executive Vice President, Chief of Strategy, Group Head ESG, Business Head Jaipur and Kolkata, Fortis Healthcare, said, “Eastern India’s first robotic tele-surgeries mark a defining moment for healthcare in the region. By combining advanced robotic systems with highly skilled clinical teams, we are ensuring safer, more precise, and accessible surgical care. This achievement reinforces our vision of delivering advanced, accessible healthcare without the burden of long-distance travel.”
