• Source:JND
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All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has successfully performed its fifth robotic-assisted kidney transplant since September 3, offering the advanced procedure at a significantly lower cost than private hospitals and free of charge for Ayushman Bharat card holders.

This information was shared on Friday by Prof VK Bansal and Prof Sunil Chumber, the Head of the Department of Surgery and Renal Transplant.

While the procedure can cost Rs 20 lakh or more in private facilities, the expense at AIIMS is between Rs 20,000 and Rs 25,000, excluding medicines. For patients covered under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, the surgery is completely free. Prof Chumber confirmed that one patient under this scheme is already registered and is scheduled to undergo a robotic transplant within the next week.

Latest Case And Faster Recovery

The AIIMS team performed its latest robotic kidney transplant on a 27-year-old patient on October 8. The patient is recovering rapidly and is expected to be discharged from the hospital within the next four to five days.

Prof Bansal highlighted the significant benefits for patients undergoing this procedure.

Minimally Invasive: It requires only a small incision, leading to less pain, reduced blood loss, and faster wound healing.

Faster Recovery: Patients can often go home within a week, compared to the 12 to 15-day hospital stay required for a conventional transplant.

Reduced Need for Painkillers: The minimal pain means fewer painkillers are needed, which is beneficial as such medications can adversely affect a newly transplanted kidney. 

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Advantages For Surgeons

The surgical robot also offers considerable advantages for the operating team:

Enhanced Visibility: It provides a high-definition, 3D view of the internal organs.

Greater Precision: The robotic arms allow for more precise and dexterous movements during surgery.

AIIMS's Robotic Surgery Timeline

November 2024: The institute's surgical block received the 'Da Vinci Surgical Robot'.

February 27, 2025: The first-ever surgery using the robot (a donor nephrectomy) was performed.

September 3, 2025: The first robotic-assisted kidney transplant was successfully conducted.

A Glance At Kidney Transplants In India

1965: First kidney transplant at KEM Hospital, Mumbai.

1971: First successful kidney transplant at CMC, Vellore.

1972: First successful kidney transplant at AIIMS, Delhi.

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