тЧП Robot-assisted surgery will be offered across oncology, gastrointestinal, urology, thoracic, gynaecology and complex general surgery specialties. тЧП The hospital will use the advanced SSi Mantra system, featuring modular robotic arms and high-definition 3D imaging for enhanced surgical precision.
Chennai, November 29, 2025
Billroth Hospitals, one of the cityтАЩs leading multispeciality centres and a pioneer in advanced laparoscopic and laser procedures, has launched its Institute of Robotic Surgery, marking a major expansion of its minimally invasive surgical capabilities. The facility will use the SSi Mantra 3, an India-made next-generation surgical robot designed by SS Innovations, to perform a wide range of procedures with greater precision and improved patient outcomes.
the robotic platform will be deployed across oncology, gastrointestinal surgery, urology, thoracic surgery, gynaecology and complex general surgery. The SSi Mantra 3 will also support intricate operations involving the esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, biliary system, intestines, rectum, anal canal and urological organs such as the kidney, ureter, bladder and prostate. It will further aid minimally invasive interventions for reproductive tract conditions, retroperitoneal tumours and tumours of the chest.
The hospital said that the system will enhance its capabilities in performing complex hernia repairs, bile duct exploration, diaphragmatic repair, hiatus hernia fundoplication, metabolic and bariatric surgery, hysterectomy and tubal reimplantation. High-end procedures such as liver transplantation and cardiac bypass are also expected to benefit from the dexterity and stability offered by the robotic arms.
The SSi Mantra 3 features 3 to 5 fully modular robotic arms and supports more than 40 robotic endo-surgical instruments, enabling surgeons to tailor the setup to each operation. Its open-face console includes a 32-inch 3D 4K display, ergonomic controls and head-tracking safety, offering enhanced visual clarity and steadier control during long or complex surgeries.
In his comments, Dr. Rajesh Jeganathan, Chairman, Billroth Hospitals said, тАЬWe are pleased to launch a centre of excellence for robot-assisted surgery. Our goal is to democratise minimally invasive care by making it accessible and affordable for our patients. Those who require laparoscopic procedures should consider robotic surgery, as both follow the same minimally invasive principles. With a robot-assisted approach, even complex operations can be performed more safely, with faster recovery and shorter hospital stays – ultimately reducing overall treatment costs. This is especially beneficial for cancer patients who need intricate resections or long surgical hours. The minimally invasive technique also enables patients to get out of bed the very next day, significantly supporting quicker recovery.тАЭ
He further added that robotic technology significantly enhances surgical precision. Unlike conventional open surgery, robotic systems provide a highly magnified, 10x enlarged 4K 3D view that offers exceptional clarity while preserving the depth perception of open procedures. The stable robotic platform minimises unintended hand movements, enabling greater accuracy and reducing blood loss. With a range of motion that exceeds natural human limits, the robotic arms can bend and rotate to access difficult-to-reach areas with ease. Importantly, surgeons operate from an ergonomically designed console, which reduces fatigue and allows for steadier control during long or complex surgeries.
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Chennai, November 25, 2025: In a first for Tamil Nadu, SRM Prime Hospital has successfully used a bovine pericardial patch to close a neovaginal fistula – an abnormal connection between the rectum and neovagina – that was causing the passage of flatus and faecal matter through the neovagina of a 22-year-old transgender youth who had recently undergone male-to-female gender-affirming surgery elsewhere. The minimally invasive, endoscopic day-care procedure helped avert the need for major open-abdominal surgery for the patient from a poor economic background.
This procedure was performed by Dr. Arulprakash S., Clinical Lead and Senior Consultant, and Dr. Tarun J. George, Senior Consultant, Medical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, under the guidance of Dr. C. Paul Dilip Kumar, DirectorтАУMedical Services, SRM Prime Hospital.
In his comments, Dr. Arulprakash said, тАЬThe patient had undergone gender-affirming surgery at a hospital in another city a few months ago. Soon after the procedure, she developed a recto-neovaginal fistula, an abnormal connection between the rectum, the last part of the large intestine, and the neovagina created during surgery. As a result, flatus and faecal matter began passing through the neovagina. Such fistulas in transgender patients are rare complications of gender-affirming surgery, occurring in only about 1% of cases. An endoscopic procedure was attempted at the same hospital; a clip was used. But the relief was only temporary, and the condition recurred after the clip placement. This was a rare and challenging clinical situation.тАЭ
He added: тАЬAt that stage, an open abdominal surgery was considered the only option, which would have meant higher costs and a prolonged hospital stay. However, when she came to us, we opted for an endoscopic closure of the fistula using a novel bovine pericardial patch – the first such procedure in the state. Using bovine pericardial patch to support and close the fistula was a novel idea. Here the patched served as a cellular scaffold to bridge tissues in surgeries. Although a few similar attempts to close recto-neovaginal fistulas with this bioprosthesis have been made in other parts of the country, these cases have not been formally documented or published so far. The procedure required two endoscopists working simultaneously – one visualising the fistula from each side and the other helping position the patch while the clip was placed. Such advanced endoscopic capability is not available in many hospitals. With this approach, we were able to completely avoid a major surgery and still offer the patient a safe, day-care procedure. She is recovering well and is very satisfied with the outcome.тАЭ
Providing more details about the procedure, Dr. Tarun J. George said, тАЬWe performed a contrast CT scan to confirm the location and size of the fistula opening and evaluated various endoscopic management options before deciding on this approach. We first used argon plasma coagulation over the fistula opening – a method that uses gentle heat delivered through gas to prepare the area without direct contact. This was done to roughen the lining of surface that was to be closed. We then placed the bovine pericardial patch inside the tract and finally deployed a large 14 mm over-the-scope clip to seal the opening and anchor the patch securely, successfully closing the fistula. This minimally invasive procedure helped the patient avoid a major, complex surgery, along with a prolonged hospital stay and higher treatment costs. She was discharged the same day and walked out of the hospital. She only requires one week of rest at home, five days of antibiotics, and stool softeners for about three months.тАЭ