Getting diagnosed with gynecological cancer can be emotionally overwhelming, and choosing the right robotic surgeon for cancer treatment becomes an important part of your overall cancer care journey and successful recovery process.The breakthroughs made in robotic surgical technology have changed the way cancer is treated, particularly for gynaecological cancers such as cervical, ovarian, uterine (endometrial), vulvar, and vaginal cancers. Robotic-assisted surgeries allow surgeons to perform traditional procedures with more precision, smaller incisions, less blood loss, less time recovering, and deliver better outcomes in the majority of cases.
It’s important to note that choosing the right robotic surgeon isn’t simply about what technology their facility has, but rather, their expertise, the amount of experience they have, what style of care they offer, and whether you can trust them. If you’re considering robotic surgery for your gynaecological cancer, it’s important to help you understand what to look for in a robotic surgeon. This article will highlight key elements to consider while focusing on the expertise of Dr Priyanka Batra in gynaecological oncology.
Why Is Choosing the Right Robotic Surgeon for Cancer Treatment Important?
- Assessing whether the surgeon is a gynecologic oncologist is an important first step to evaluating your surgical options. Cancer surgeries require a much further level of understanding than just general gynaecology. Cancer treatment can require staging the tumour, assessing the lymph nodes, and developing a comprehensive cancer treatment plan with other clinicians. The advantage of seeing an oncologist (who has completed oncology fellowship training) is that they are able to develop personalised treatment plans that are based on cancer stage, fertility issues, and long-term survivorship.
- Experience is another important consideration when looking for a surgeon who performs robotic-assisted surgery. A surgeon who has performed a high volume of robotic surgery is more likely to be able to handle complicated cases and unexpected challenges during the surgical procedure.
- In order to perform robotic-assisted surgery, a surgeon must have specific certifications and training. Patients should always check to see if their surgeon has had formal training in robotic surgery as well as advanced training in oncology. Because a surgeon who has additional certifications has invested time and resources into additional training, they typically have a higher degree of commitment to high surgical standards, and they will be knowledgeable of the latest treatment modalities.
- It is a misconception that all cancers require open surgery. A surgeon who is highly skilled in minimally invasive techniques often will be able to decrease the amount of surgical trauma while still achieving effective cancer outcomes. For patients who are concerned about recovery time, as well as the quality of life after surgery, this expertise can be extremely important.
- For cancer patients and their caregivers, it often requires a little help from your friends – surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, fertility experts and genetic counsellors – to successfully navigate the cancer treatment process. Robotic surgeries performed by an expert surgeon working with an interdisciplinary team of cancer care professionals can offer high-quality, comprehensive cancer care.
- However, just having the latest technology does not always guarantee the best outcome for your patient. Patients need to feel secure in expressing their concerns regarding the following: treatment options, potential risks associated with treatment, expected recovery, fertility conservation, and emotional/psychological pain. The best surgeon can explain the options to the patient in a manner that is easy to understand, encourage questions, discuss risk honestly, offer emotional support, and involve the patient’s family when necessary. Building a trusting relationship with your surgeon will greatly enhance the overall treatment process and increase your satisfaction/confidence with the treatment choice.
- Even with the best robotic surgeon, patients will need access to a state-of-the-art hospital. Some things to consider when choosing your hospital are: availability of robotic surgical systems, availability of ICU and emergency department support for post-surgical complications, availability of cancer rehabilitation services, diagnostic imaging capabilities, and oncology support staff. Medanta – The Medicity in Gurgaon, Haryana, India, where Dr Priyanka Batra works, has received national and international recognition for its state-of-the-art robotic surgical facility and specialised cancer services.
Choosing the best robotic surgeon for gynaecological cancer treatment is an important choice that can affect recovery, treatment and quality of life. When making this decision, some of the factors to consider are the surgeon’s level of expertise in oncology, experience with robotic surgery, certification, level of expertise in minimally invasive surgical techniques, quality and availability of the hospital facilities, and communication with other patients.
Dr Priyanka Batra stands out as an expert in both robotic and minimally invasive surgical treatment of gynaecological cancers and is a well-trained oncologist with significant experience treating patients who have different types of cancer. Dr Batra’s approach to cancer treatment incorporates working with a team of specialists who will work together to provide the best care possible to each individual patient. While there are many qualified robotic surgeons across the country, the needs of each patient are different, and it is always best to consult with a primary care physician before beginning any treatment.