A Global First in Robotic Surgery: Combined Robotic Heart Bypass and Prostate Cancer Surgery at Fortis Hospital BG Road

In a landmark achievement in advanced surgical care, doctors at Fortis Hospital Bannerghatta Road have successfully performed the world’s first combined robot-assisted minimally invasive coronary artery bypass surgery (MIDCAB) and robotic radical prostatectomy in a single operative session.

This remarkable procedure was performed on a 56-year-old US-based NRI who was simultaneously diagnosed with significant coronary artery disease and prostate cancer, two serious conditions that typically require separate major surgeries.

The highly complex intervention was carried out by a multidisciplinary team led by Dr. Sudarshan G T, Director – MICS & Robotic Cardiac Surgery, and Dr. Mohan Keshavamurthy, Principal Director – Renal Sciences.

A Complex Medical Challenge

The patient, Sriram (name changed), was found to have a critical blockage in one of the major coronary arteries, significantly reducing blood flow to the heart. Although his overall heart pumping function remained preserved, the blockage placed him at a high risk of heart attack if left untreated.

At the same time, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, which was causing significant urinary symptoms such as:

• Difficulty initiating urination
• Reduced urine flow
• Frequent urination
• A sensation of incomplete bladder emptying

While each condition could be treated independently, undergoing two separate major surgeries would have significantly increased the patient’s cumulative risk, prolonged recovery time, and required multiple hospital admissions.

A Multidisciplinary Robotic Solution

After detailed evaluation and careful multidisciplinary planning, the team at Fortis decided to perform a combined robot-assisted minimally invasive coronary artery bypass surgery (MIDCAB) followed by a robotic radical prostatectomy in the same operative session.

This innovative approach allowed doctors to treat both life-threatening conditions safely under a single anaesthesia, minimizing surgical trauma and enabling faster recovery.

Robot-Assisted Heart Bypass: Precision with Minimal Trauma

Explaining the cardiac procedure, Dr. Sudarshan G T said that the surgical team performed a robot-assisted minimally invasive coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) using the Left Internal Mammary Artery (LIMA) to restore blood flow to the heart.

Instead of performing a conventional open-heart surgery, the team used small keyhole incisions to access the heart, avoiding the need to open the chest.

This robotic approach offered several advantages:

• Precise graft placement
• Smaller incisions
• Minimal blood loss
• Reduced surgical trauma
• Faster recovery

The cardiac procedure lasted approximately 1.5 hours and successfully restored blood supply to the heart.

Dr. Sudarshan noted that combining two major surgeries under a single anaesthesia is rare, but in this case it helped avoid multiple surgeries, repeated exposure to anaesthesia, and prolonged recovery periods.

Robotic Prostate Cancer Surgery: Advanced Cancer Care

Following the cardiac bypass, the surgical team led by Dr. Mohan Keshavamurthy performed a robot-assisted radical prostatectomy, a highly precise procedure used to remove the prostate gland and surrounding tissues where cancer may spread.

The 3.5-hour robotic surgery involved removal of the prostate and nearby glands, with temporary stents placed to protect the urinary passage.

Robotic prostate surgery offers several clinical advantages:

• Greater surgical precision
• Minimal blood loss
• Better preservation of surrounding structures
• Faster recovery and shorter hospital stay

Performing this procedure immediately after the cardiac surgery prevented cancer progression while maintaining cardiac safety, demonstrating the benefits of coordinated multidisciplinary robotic care.

Recovery and Outcome

The patient recovered well following the combined procedure and was discharged in stable condition within five days, with a structured follow-up plan for continued recovery.

The minimally invasive robotic approach allowed for faster healing, reduced post-operative discomfort, and earlier return to normal activities, compared to traditional open surgeries

A Patient’s Perspective

Sharing his experience, the patient said that being diagnosed with both heart disease and prostate cancer simultaneously was overwhelming.

After initially receiving his diagnosis in the United States, he chose to travel to India after learning that Fortis Hospital Bannerghatta Road was among the few centres globally capable of performing an integrated, single-stage robotic surgical solution.

He added that he had mentally prepared for prolonged suffering and multiple surgeries, but the Fortis team reassured him that both conditions could be treated safely together.

Expressing gratitude, he acknowledged the careful planning, expertise, and support of the medical team that helped him recover smoothly.

Redefining Integrated Robotic Surgery

This case represents a global milestone in integrated robotic surgery, highlighting how collaboration between specialties and advanced technology can transform patient outcomes.

The success of this procedure demonstrates how modern surgical innovation can:

• Treat multiple serious conditions in a single operation
• Reduce patient risk and recovery time
• Minimize surgical trauma
• Improve overall quality of care

With continued advancements in robotic surgery, centres like Fortis Healthcare are helping redefine what is possible in modern medicine.

Dr. Sudarshan G T | Fortis Hospital BG Road Bangalore