Robotic Surgery

Robotic surgery which is also known as Robot-assisted surgery is the surgical procedures that are done using robotic systems. It allows surgeons to perform several complex surgical procedures with more precision and control as compared to conventional methods.

Key Points

• Under this type of surgery, small ports or ‘keyholes’ are used for the procedure rather than large incisions. This reduces the trauma and pain of the patients.
• Through robotic surgery, the instruments can reach those areas which are not easily accessible through traditional surgeries.
• The robotic surgery also results in quick recovery, fewer complications, and shorter stays at the hospitals.
• Due to their efficiency, the cost of performing robotic surgeries is higher than regular procedures. However, it is more affordable in India than in various developing and developed countries.

Cost of Robotic surgeries

Robotic surgery can cost an additional 2 lakhs (approximately) in comparison to the laparoscopic procedure. The average cost of an abdominal robotic surgery in India is Rs 5.25 lakh and that of a cardiothoracic procedure is Rs 6.75 lakh. Gynecologic surgery in India can cost Rs 5 lakh while a head-and-neck surgery can cost Rs 6 lakh.

IRDAI directs insurers to cover robotic surgeries

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has directed insurers to cover robotic and bariatric surgeries.

Along with robotic surgeries, IRDAI has also included diseases like Alzheimer’s, mental illness, Parkinson’s, and obesity for insurance coverage.

Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI)

IRDAI is a regulatory body that is responsible for regulating as well as promoting insurance and re-insurance companies in India. It is headquartered in Telangana’s Hyderabad. The aim of the body includes protecting the interests’ insurance policyholders and ensuring fair treatment for them, growth of the insurance industry, etc.