Cancer treatment has evolved dramatically in the last decade. The scalpel is no longer the only symbol of surgery — today, precision, technology, and faster recovery define success.
“Our goal is not just to remove the tumor, but to restore quality of life as quickly as possible. That’s where minimally invasive surgery is transformative,” explains Dr. Rajeev Kapoor, senior gastrointestinal and cancer surgeon at Chandigarh.
1️⃣ What Is Minimally Invasive Cancer Surgery?
Minimally invasive cancer surgery (MICS) refers to procedures performed through tiny incisions using cameras and specialised instruments, instead of large open cuts.
Techniques include:
- Laparoscopic surgery
- Robotic-assisted surgery
- Thoracoscopic and endoscopic resections
These approaches allow surgeons to access complex areas like the colon, stomach, or pancreas with remarkable precision — while minimizing trauma to healthy tissues.
2️⃣ Key Advantages for Patients
| Benefit | Impact |
| Smaller incisions | Less pain and scarring |
| Minimal blood loss | Reduced transfusion risk |
| Faster recovery | Shorter hospital stay |
| Lower infection rate | Enhanced postoperative safety |
| Early return to routine | Better patient experience |
“In colon and gastrointestinal cancers, laparoscopic and robotic surgery can reduce hospital stay from 8–10 days to just 3–5 days,” shares Dr. Kapoor.
3️⃣ Robotic Surgery: The New Frontier
Robotic-assisted systems such as Da Vinci Surgical Robot bring magnified 3D visualization and ultra-precise hand movements, translating the surgeon’s motions into micro-movements inside the body.
This allows for:
- Millimeter-level precision in delicate dissections
- Reduced nerve damage in pelvic and rectal surgeries
- Improved oncological margins (complete tumor removal)
Dr. Kapoor’s team employs these technologies in colorectal, hepatobiliary, and sarcoma resections, ensuring both oncological safety and functional preservation.
4️⃣ Applications in Gastrointestinal and Soft Tissue Cancers
- Colon & Rectal Cancer: Laparoscopic colectomy and robotic rectal surgery
- Stomach Cancer: Minimally invasive gastrectomy for early and advanced cases
- Liver and Pancreas: Keyhole resections with enhanced recovery programs
- Sarcoma: Limb-sparing resections using precision navigation tools
“For many cancers, patients can walk within 24 hours and resume normal diet in two days. That’s the power of technology-led care,” notes Dr. Kapoor.
5️⃣ Safety and Oncological Outcomes
Extensive global studies confirm that minimally invasive techniques achieve equal or better cancer-control outcomes compared to open surgery — provided they are performed by trained specialists.
Postoperative recovery, immune response, and quality of life are significantly superior.
6️⃣ The Future of Cancer Surgery in India
India is rapidly adopting robotics, fluorescence imaging, and AI-driven navigation tools. Dr. Kapoor foresees a future where precision oncology, powered by technology and data, makes cancer surgery safer, smarter, and more personalized.
“We are entering an era where technology complements judgment — allowing us to heal, not just operate.”
Conclusion
Minimally invasive cancer surgery represents a revolution in cancer care — reducing pain, enhancing precision, and restoring dignity in recovery.
For patients seeking advanced, evidence-based, and compassionate treatment, Dr. Rajeev Kapoor and his team in Chandigarh offer state-of-the-art surgical expertise backed by global standards.
