Marengo CIMS Hospital Performs Gujarat’s First Robotic Decortication Surgery
Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], April 18: In a landmark achievement for thoracic surgery in India, Marengo CIMS Hospital has performed Gujarat’s first Robotic Decortication Surgery, bringing new hope to critically ill patients requiring complex lung operations. A 57-year-old man from Udaipur, Rajasthan, suffering from bilateral pneumonia, respiratory failure, and multiple chest drain insertions, underwent a robotic decortication procedure on April 8, 2025. This high-risk, life-saving operation was performed by Dr. Sarav Shah, Consultant Thoracic Surgeon, and represents a significant leap forward for thoracic care in the state.
The patient had been battling a severe lung infection that led to the accumulation of thick pus and fibrous peel around the lungs — a condition known as Empyema Thoracic, which prevents the lungs from expanding fully. This condition had progressed to an advanced stage, with the right lung almost completely collapsed. The patient had been on mechanical ventilation and was deteriorating despite multiple interventions elsewhere, including the placement of multiple intercostal chest drains. His condition left him extremely vulnerable, both due to the complexity of the disease and the risks associated with traditional open surgery.
Highlights:
- Critically ill patient from Rajasthan successfully treated with robotic decortication
- Patient Mobilized Within 12 Hours After Robotic Thoracic Surgery at Marengo CIMS Hospital
Recognizing the need for a precise and minimally traumatic intervention, Dr. Sarav Shah and his team at Marengo CIMS opted for Robotic-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (RATS) — an advanced technique that uses high-definition 3D vision and robotic arms with micro-instruments that can mimic and even surpass the dexterity of human hands. The team performed a right-sided pleural decortication, meticulously removing the fibrous layer encasing the lung to allow it to re-expand and function normally.
What makes this case especially notable is the remarkable recovery of the patient. Despite being bedridden and ventilator-dependent for days, he was mobilized within 12 hours of surgery, and early indicators suggest significantly improved lung function and reduced infection burden. In contrast, open thoracic surgeries typically require days of intensive post-operative care, extended hospital stays, and are associated with greater pain and risk of complications.
According to national data, over 1.5 lakh thoracic surgeries are performed in India annually, but less than 5% involve robotic assistance due to lack of access, infrastructure, and expertise. Most robotic thoracic surgeries in India are currently restricted to tertiary centers in metros such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. With this pioneering procedure, Marengo CIMS becomes the first hospital in Gujarat to successfully offer this technology to thoracic patients, helping bridge a major gap in healthcare accessibility.
Speaking about the significance of the case, Dr. Sarav Shah said: “This was one of the most challenging cases we’ve encountered. The patient’s lungs were essentially ‘trapped’ by a thick peel, and he was on the verge of respiratory failure. In a conventional open surgery, the trauma would have been immense and recovery uncertain. But with robotic technology, we achieved precision dissection through tiny keyhole incisions, dramatically reducing surgical stress and facilitating rapid recovery. Within 12 hours, he was out of bed, breathing better, and mentally alert. This is the kind of transformation robotic surgery can deliver. It’s not just about technology — it’s about reimagining what’s possible in critical care. We are proud to bring this level of advanced care to Gujarat.”
The advantages of robotic thoracic surgery are well-documented. Global studies have shown that robotic surgery reduces ICU stay by 35%, postoperative pain by 40%, and overall complications by over 50%. Patients typically return to normal activities 50–70% faster than with traditional open chest surgeries.
This milestone reflects Marengo CIMS Hospital’s commitment to clinical excellence and technological innovation. The hospital continues to invest in next-generation platforms and specialized expertise to offer minimally invasive solutions that enhance patient safety, shorten recovery times, and improve long-term outcomes. With this first robotic thoracic surgery, Marengo CIMS has set a new benchmark for surgical care in Gujarat and reaffirmed its status as a leader in comprehensive, patient-first healthcare.
About Marengo CIMS Hospital:
Marengo CIMS Hospital is part of Marengo Asia Hospitals chain and is positioned today as a preferred destination for organ transplants in India’s Western region. The hospital has conducted 58 heart transplants till date and is in an enviable second position in the country to have achieved this number. The hospital is recognized for the very first heart transplant and lung transplant and the highest number of angioplasties conducted in the state of Gujarat. A 480-bedded multi-super specialty, modern, “Green Hospital” committed to the ESG Guidelines, the hospital offers a wide range of high-end treatment solutions across all super-specialties to patients, outpatient, and inpatient preventive, diagnostic, and world-class healthcare services for all diseases and medical problems with high success rates in India. Reputed for the highest standards of global healthcare, Marengo CIMS Hospital is thrice accredited by JCI – Joint Commission International (USA), NABH, and NABL for providing quality healthcare and patient safety across India. Marengo Asia Hospitals works for cancer-affected patients through the Marengo Asia Foundation for early detection and early treatments to save more lives.
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