~ Remote Robotic Surgery Bridges Two Large Countries from Shanghai to Mumbai to Redefine Surgical Access.

~ Remote Radical Prostatectomy and a Partial Nephrectomy Performed by Dr T. B. Yuvaraja using US FDA Study Approved Telesurgery System

Mumbai : Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital Mumbai has achieved a historic national milestone by successfully performing India’s first international remote robotic surgeries on two patients in Mumbai, with the operating surgeon Dr. T. B. Yuvaraja, Director (Group), Uro-Oncology and Robotic Surgery, Kokilaben Hospital, located in Shanghai, over 5,000 kilometres away. This marks the first clinical application in India across borders of the Toumai® Remote Robotic Surgery System following approval by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), and represents a significant advancement in the country’s remote surgical capabilities.

The landmark procedures were performed on two patients in Mumbai and included a robot-assisted radical prostatectomy and a robot-assisted partial nephrectomy. The surgeries were conducted remotely by a specialist surgeon located over 5,000 kilometres away, demonstrating the safety, precision, and reliability of long-distance robotic intervention for complex urological procedures. Both surgeries were performed remotely using the Toumai® system, which is the only robotic surgical platform currently being US FDA Study Approved for use in telesurgery. The procedures successfully demonstrated real-time surgical control and high precision for uncompromised patient safety despite the vast geographical distance.

The international surgeries were enabled by high-speed, stable data transmission and multiple safety-assurance technologies. The system ensured real-time surgical control with ultra-low bidirectional latency of just 132 milliseconds, allowing the procedures to be performed with the same precision, safety, and reliability as conventional on-site robotic surgery. The ultra-low latency ensured seamless instrument movement, precise dissection, and reliable execution throughout the procedures.

Dr. T. B. Yuvaraja, Director (Group), Uro-Oncology and Robotic Surgery, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospitals, who performed the surgeries remotely, has an experience of over 4,100 robotic procedures. Commenting on the achievement, Dr. T. B. Yuvaraja said, “Remote robotic surgery has the potential to transform access to high-quality surgical care. Successfully performing these procedures across two large nations reinforces our commitment at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital to innovation, safety, and excellence in patient care. This achievement also opens up new avenues for offering world class treatment across India and world over.”

The Toumai® system performed exceptionally during the procedure with the remote control remarkably smooth, stable, and precise. It allowed the surgeon to carry out complex procedures with the same confidence and accuracy as an in-person robotic surgery. This milestone demonstrates that remote robotic surgery is not only feasible, but safe and clinically effective. This major breakthrough signals the beginning of a new era in telesurgery in India, where geography no longer limits access to world-class surgical expertise and technology-driven healthcare can reach patients wherever they are.

With this national first, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital has taken a decisive step towards redefining surgical care delivery. By enabling surgical operations across a distance of over 5,000 kilometres, the Toumai® system has set a new benchmark for remote and smart surgery. The success of these two procedures not only validates the potential of telesurgery but also provides valuable clinical experience for the future development of remote healthcare systems in India and beyond.

Dr. Santosh Shetty, CEO & Executive Director, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital said, “Being the first hospital in India to successfully perform intercontinental remote robotic surgeries following CDSCO approval of the Toumai system is a proud moment for our institution and for Indian healthcare. This landmark achievement reinforces Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital’s leadership in adopting cutting-edge medical technologies and shaping the future of surgical care in India. By combining advanced robotics with secure digital infrastructure, the hospital has demonstrated how specialist surgical expertise can be extended across continents without compromising outcomes. This achievement reflects our long-standing commitment to innovation, patient safety, and clinical excellence. It opens new possibilities for expanding access to advanced surgical care, particularly for patients in remote and underserved regions.”

The successful execution of these procedures was made possible through close collaboration between multidisciplinary clinical teams including the full-time specialists at Kokilaben Hospital, hospital staff, technology partners, and engineering teams in both Mumbai and Shanghai. Their coordinated efforts ensured uninterrupted connectivity, rigorous safety protocols, and flawless clinical execution.