Apollo Proton Cancer Centre Sets a New Benchmark in Renal Surgery with RRAPN procedure
(From Left to Right) : Mr. Karan Puri, Chief Operating Officer, Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, Dr. Anand Murugesan, Anaesthesiology and Interventional Pain & Palliative Specialist, APCC, Dr. Madhav Tiwari, Consultant, Urology, Uro-Oncology & Robotic Surgery, APCC, Dr. R. Srivathsan, Consultant Urology, Uro-Oncology & Robotic Surgery, APCC, Dr N Ragavan, Senior Consultant, Uro-Oncology and Robotic Surgery, APCC, Mr. Harshad Reddy, Director – Group Oncology & International, Apollo Hospitals Enterprises Limited.
Surgeons utilize robotic assistance to remove 5cm long tumour and preserve the patient’s kidney
Chennai, January 10, 2025: Apollo Proton Cancer Centre (APCC), successfully performs Chennai’s first Retroperitoneal Robot-assisted Partial Nephrectomy (RRAPN), showcasing its commitment to advancing minimally invasive surgical techniques.
(From Left to Right) : Mr. Karan Puri, Chief Operating Officer, APCC, Dr. Anand Murugesan, Anaesthesiology and Interventional Pain & Palliative Specialist, APCC, Dr. Madhav Tiwari, Consultant, Urology, Uro-Oncology & Robotic Surgery, APCC, Dr N Ragavan, Senior Consultant, Uro-Oncology and Robotic Surgery, APCC and , Dr. R. Srivathsan, Consultant Urology, Uro-Oncology & Robotic Surgery, APCC.
The complex procedure was performed on a 40-year-old patient from Bangladesh who had a 5cm long tumour located near the kidney’s major blood vessels – a challenging position that made the surgery particularly intricate.
Previously evaluated at multiple hospitals in Bangladesh, he was advised to undergo a radical nephrectomy—complete removal of the kidney. Traditional recommendations for such cases often involve a radical nephrectomy (complete kidney removal). However, the team at APCC pursued an approach, utilizing robotic assistance to remove the tumour while preserving the patient’s kidney.
The innovative surgery not only preserved the kidney but also minimized surgical risks and ensured faster recovery. APCC’s skilled team of surgeons leveraged advanced robotic technology through a retroperitoneal approach, avoiding the abdominal cavity. The patient experienced minimal postoperative complications and was able to resume normal activities within days.
This achievement highlights APCC’s expertise and leadership in delivering exceptional care, offering renewed hope to patients with complex renal tumours.
Explaining the approach, Dr N Ragavan, Senior Consultant, Uro-Oncology and Robotic Surgery, APCC and Dr Madhav Tiwari, Consultant-robotic Surgery, APCC, said: "This particular case was challenging due to the tumour’s location and associated risks, and it required exceptional precision and teamwork, as the smaller operating space demands highly skilled and synchronized efforts. By utilizing the retroperitoneal robotic technique, we accessed the kidney directly from the back, bypassing the abdominal cavity entirely. This approach minimized surgical risks, preserving the kidney’s function, and enabled a swift recovery. This milestone sets a new benchmark for kidney surgeries in the region, showcasing our commitment to redefining standards in advanced medical care."
Mr. Harshad Reddy, Director – Group Oncology & International, Apollo Hospitals Enterprises Limited, stated "Apollo Hospitals has been a leader in robotic surgery, recognized as India’s largest multispecialty program in this field. This kidney-saving procedure showcases our commitment to combining advanced technology with innovative, patient-specific approaches. By combining precision, expertise, and patient-specific strategies, we ensure quicker recoveries, minimal complications, and an improved quality of life. This milestone highlights our dedication to redefining healthcare standards and enhancing the lives of patients through continuous innovation and expertise."
Sharing his experience, the patient said, "I was worried about losing my kidney and the long recovery time. The doctors at APCC explained everything clearly and assured me of the best possible outcome. I am amazed at this advanced treatment and how quickly I recovered & returned to my daily life."
At Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, the commitment towards advancing cancer care is underscored with the latest technology and pioneer in innovative medical approaches, reinforcing its position as a leader in healthcare. This first-of-its-kind surgery in Tamil Nadu highlights the centre's ongoing commitment to bringing world-class healthcare to the patients and setting a new benchmark in cancer care.
#WinningOverCancer
About Apollo Proton Cancer Centre (APCC), Chennai, India:
Apollo Proton Cancer Centre is the most advanced Cancer Centre and the first Proton Therapy Centre in South Asia & the Middle East and India's first JCI-accredited Cancer hospital. It is the country’s first and only hospital to have proton beam therapy in clinical operation. At the bedrock of APCC's approach to treating cancer is its robust multi-disciplinary platform; highly skilled professionals who come together to form a cancer management team (CMT). Each CMT is focused on delivering the best possible outcomes for its patients. An added feather in the cap is the recent launch of India's first & only site-specific Robotic Oncology Program.
