2. Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals & Robotic Surgery--Master Shiwam
Master Shivam is a 10 year old boy from Bhagalpur in Jharkhand state of India. He had fever 5
months ago and then developed back pain and deformity that made it difficult for him to walk. He
also developed weakness in his legs and was unable to go to school or go out to play with friends.
He was diagnosed to have tuberculosis of his spine and started on treatment. As there was no
benefit from the treatment with regards to his back pain and weakness, the family decided to
come to Delhi for further treatment and explore the options of latest treatment.
Dr Rajendra Prasad saw him at Apollo Hospital, New Delhi. After getting an MRI done, it was found
that there was a collapse of his vertebra on the back at his chest level leading to compression of
his spinal cord along with a large collection of pus in that area.
Standard surgery involves a large cut in the chest and over the back with prolonged hospital stay.
Pain after the procedure can make the recovery and return to normal activities slow.
Robotic surgery had been done in this area but not for this condition anywhere in the
World. After review of the scans, robotic instrumentation and discussion it was felt that the
procedure can be attempted robotically and if successful would give the child benefit of this latest
technology.
The robotic instruments give a tremendous advantage of articulating and precise
instruments that give a steady and accurate surgical field.
Family of the patient were counselled about the procedure and the fact that it has never been
done before. They understood the risks and were keen on giving the benefit of the technology to
their child. The child himself was excited about being the first child to undergo this procedure.
Robotic Surgery was done in 15th
July. The procedure took about 2 hours and went off very
well. Once he recovered from the procedure, the vertebras were fixed from behind a week later so
as to enable early mobilization .He is now comfortable and walking.
Team of surgeons included
Neurosurgery : Dr Rajendra Prasad & Dr Amit Kapoor
Minimal Access Surgery : Dr Arun Prasad & Dr Abhishek Tiwari
Anesthetist : Dr Anil Sharma