Advanced Robotic Surgery Gives New Life to Cervical Cancer Patient at Apollo Multispeciality Hospitals, Kolkata

Apollo Multispeciality Hospital, Kolkata, achieved a significant medical success by treating a case of recurrent cervical cancer using advanced robotic surgery. The procedure was performed under the care of Dr. Monika Meena, Gynaecological Oncology and Robotic Surgery specialist at the hospital.

The patient, a 55 year old postmenopausal woman, approached Apollo Multispeciality Hospital, Kolkata after a PET-CT scan showed a recurrence of cervical cancer as a 2cm lesion in the cervix. She had received chemotherapy and radiation elsewhere for locally advanced cervical cancer (stage 3) ,six months back. When the cancer returned, a detailed evaluation at Apollo revealed that the recurrence was limited to the original site, with no spread to other organs.

After thorough assessment, the patient was advised a surgery in the form of salvage hysterectomy and removal of the disease, a challenging procedure performed when cancer returns after radiation therapy. Such surgeries are considered high-risk due to radiation-related scarring and stiffness of tissues, which increase the possibility of complications. Despite these challenges, Dr. Monika Meena and her team opted for robotic surgery for this,which allows greater precision and the best of the surgical outcomes.

The patient successfully underwent robotic removal of the uterus and cervix along with surrounding tissues. The surgery was completed smoothly with minimal blood loss. Owing to the minimally invasive nature of robotic surgery, the patient was able to walk on the same day and was discharged the very next day. Laboratory examination of the removed tissue confirmed complete removal of the recurrent cancer.

Speaking about the case, Dr. Monika Meena said that postmenopausal bleeding should never be ignored and must be evaluated immediately. If the cancer is picked up at the early stage, complete treatment with good outcomes is possible.She added that advanced technologies like robotic surgery are helping doctors safely perform complex cancer surgeries even in high risk situations. It also enables the patient’s very swift recovery in the postoperative period owing to small incisions and lesser blood loss, as was the case with the above patient.

Cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer related deaths among women in India. One in every three cervical cancer patients worldwide is from India, and nearly 50 percent of global deaths from cervical cancer occur in the country. Despite being largely preventable, awareness about the disease remains low. Many women fail to recognise early symptoms such as abnormal bleeding, unusual discharge, or pelvic pain. Awareness about the HPV vaccine, which can prevent cervical cancer, is also limited, leading to delayed diagnosis and advanced disease.

On the pretext of January being the cervical cancer awareness month, this successful case highlights the importance of recognition of early warning signs/ symptoms and timely intervention for the treatment. Cervical cancer remains the cancer which is preventable by vaccination and tests are available for its screening. Access to advanced care is vital in improving outcomes for the women fighting cervical cancer.