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Published on: February 7, 2025
The World's First Long-Distance Tele-Robotic Bariatric Surgery Using an Indigenous Robotic Platform: A Landmark Case
Mohit Bhandari1, Winni Mathur2, Manoel Galvao Neto2
1Mohak Bariatrics and Robotics Center, Sri Aurobindo University, Indore, India. drmohitbhandari@gmail.com.
Background:
Robotic-assisted surgery has transformed the field of bariatric surgery by enhancing precision, ergonomics, and visualization. Telesurgery, where the surgeon operates remotely via robotic interface, represents the next frontier in expanding access to expert surgical care. The SSI Mantra system, developed in India, is a cost-effective, multi-arm robotic platform now deployed for tele-surgical applications.
Aim:
To assess the feasibility, safety, and early outcomes of tele-surgical robotic One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass (OAGB) procedures using the indigenously developed SSI Mantra system.
Method:
In this prospective case series conducted in July 2025, ten patients underwent tele-robotic OAGB at Mohak Bariatrics and Robotics Center, Indore. All telesurgeries were performed with the patient cart stationed at Mohak Bariatrics and Robotics Center, Indore, while the robotic consoles were operated remotely two cases from the SSI Headquarters in Gurgaon (900 km away) and eight cases from IRCAD-India, Indore (1.5 km away). A five-port standardized robotic OAGB technique was employed. Operative metrics, connectivity stability, and perioperative outcomes were analyzed.
Results:
All ten procedures were completed successfully without intraoperative complications or conversions. The mean operative time was 59 ± 2 min and mean robotic console time was 42 ± 5 min. The tele surgical connection remained stable throughout all cases. All patients were mobilized on the same day of surgery, tolerated a liquid diet, and were discharged after an average stay of 2.4 ± 0.7 days. No adverse events, readmissions, or technical failures were observed.
Conclusion:
This case series establishes the feasibility and clinical safety of long-distance tele-robotic bariatric surgery using an indigenous robotic system. With stable connectivity, precise execution, and favorable early outcomes, this first-in-world experience opens a new chapter in digitally connected metabolic surgery.
