Mumbai to Shanghai in real time: Kokilaben Hospital performs India’s first cross-border Robotic Surgeries!

The landmark procedures were carried out by Dr. T. B. Yuvaraja, Director (Group), Uro-Oncology and Robotic Surgery at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital. This achievement marks the first cross-border clinical application in India of the Toumai® Remote Robotic Surgery System following approval by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), representing a significant advancement in the country’s remote surgical capabilities.

The two procedures included a robot-assisted radical prostatectomy and a robot-assisted partial nephrectomy. Despite the vast geographical distance, the surgeries demonstrated exceptional safety, precision, and reliability, highlighting the feasibility of long-distance robotic intervention for complex urological procedures. Both surgeries were performed using the Toumai® system, currently the only robotic surgical platform that is US FDA Study Approved for use in telesurgery.

The international procedures were enabled by high-speed, stable data transmission supported by multiple safety-assurance technologies. The system delivered ultra-low bidirectional latency of just 132 milliseconds, ensuring real-time surgical control, seamless instrument movement, precise dissection, and uncompromised patient safety—comparable to conventional on-site robotic surgery.

Dr. Yuvaraja, who has performed over 4,100 robotic procedures, described the achievement as a transformative step for healthcare access. “Remote robotic surgery has the potential to revolutionise access to high-quality surgical care. Successfully performing these procedures across two large nations reinforces our commitment to innovation, safety, and excellence in patient care. This milestone opens new avenues for delivering world-class treatment across India and globally,” he said.

The Toumai® system performed with remarkable stability and precision, allowing complex procedures to be carried out with the same confidence and accuracy as in-person robotic surgery. The success of these surgeries confirms that remote robotic surgery is not only feasible but also safe and clinically effective, signalling the beginning of a new era in telesurgery where geography no longer limits access to advanced medical expertise.

Dr. Santosh Shetty, CEO and Executive Director of Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, called the achievement a proud moment for Indian healthcare. “Being the first hospital in India to successfully perform intercontinental remote robotic surgeries following CDSCO approval of the Toumai system reinforces our leadership in adopting cutting-edge medical technologies. By combining advanced robotics with secure digital infrastructure, we have demonstrated how specialist surgical expertise can be extended across continents without compromising outcomes. This opens new possibilities for expanding access to advanced surgical care, particularly for patients in remote and underserved regions,” he said.

The successful execution of the procedures was made possible through close collaboration between multidisciplinary clinical teams, 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.