R ARIVANANTHAM
CHENNAI, MAR 13
In a major leap for technology-driven healthcare in India, Apollo Hospitals has launched the Apollo Institute of Robotics & Telesurgery (ART) in Chennai, marking the country’s first dedicated initiative focused on robotic surgery, digital surgical platforms and remote surgical collaboration.
- Apollo Hospitals Launches Pioneering Institute to Redefine Digital and Remote Surgery
- Breakthrough Initiative Unveiled at Global Surgical Meet in Chennai
- Robotic Precision, AI-Driven Platforms and Telesurgery Set to Expand Access to Advanced Cancer Care
- Landmark Apollo Rectal Cancer Programme Strengthens Multidisciplinary Treatment for Complex Cases
- Over 1,000 Robotic Colorectal Surgeries Position Apollo as a Major Training and Innovation Hub
The landmark programme was unveiled during the Apollo International Colorectal Symposium 2026, where leading surgeons, scientists and technology innovators from around the world gathered to explore the future of colorectal cancer surgery and technology-enabled care.
Experts at the symposium highlighted the rapid transformation of colorectal treatment, with robotics, digital surgical ecosystems and telesurgery emerging as powerful tools capable of improving surgical precision and expanding access to advanced care.
A new era of precision cancer surgery
A key highlight showcased during the symposium was the Apollo Rectal Cancer (ARC) Programme at the Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, a comprehensive multidisciplinary initiative designed for managing complex rectal cancers.
The programme integrates colorectal surgeons, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, specialist nurses, nutritionists and rehabilitation experts, enabling coordinated, patient-centred treatment for cancer patients.
Speaking about the initiative, Venkatesh Munikrishnan, Consultant Colorectal Surgeon and Clinical Lead at the Institute of Colorectal Surgery, said: “Rectal cancer treatment today requires a highly coordinated multidisciplinary approach. The Apollo Rectal Cancer Programme was developed to ensure patients benefit from the combined expertise of surgeons, oncologists and allied specialists working together to deliver personalised, evidence-based care. The integration of technologies such as robotic surgery has significantly enhanced surgical precision, particularly in complex pelvic procedures, improving outcomes while preserving quality of life.”
Milestone in robotic colorectal surgery
Apollo Hospitals also highlighted its growing leadership in robotic colorectal surgery.
Under the leadership of Dr. Venkatesh Munikrishnan, surgeons at Apollo have completed over 1,000 robotic colorectal procedures, including one of the largest personal series of robotic rectal cancer resections in the region.
This experience has helped position Apollo Hospitals Chennai as a subspecialist centre for rectal cancer treatment and a training hub for advanced robotic colorectal surgery, attracting surgeons and fellows from across India and abroad.
Telesurgery: the next frontier in healthcare
Another major focus of the symposium was the rise of telesurgery, where expert surgeons can assist or perform procedures remotely using advanced robotic platforms.
Sudhir Srivastava, Founder Chairman and CEO of SS Innovations, said: “Robotic surgery has already transformed how complex operations are performed by enabling greater precision, control and visualisation for surgeons. The next natural progression is telesurgery, which will redefine how surgical expertise is delivered across geographies.”
He added: “Technologies such as the Mantrasana telesurgery platform are designed to bridge the gap between centres of excellence and hospitals that may not have access to subspecialist expertise, ensuring that patients, regardless of location, can benefit from the highest standards of surgical care.”
Apollo launches dedicated robotics institute
Looking ahead to the future of digital surgery, Apollo Hospitals formally announced the Apollo Institute of Robotics and Telesurgery (ART), which will focus on:
- advancing robotic surgery technologies
- building digital surgical ecosystems
- enabling remote surgical collaboration
- training surgeons in next-generation techniques
The launch was attended by Ilankumaran Kaliamoorthy, CEO – Chennai Region, Apollo Hospitals, and Karan Puri, CEO – Apollo Speciality Hospital Teynampet and Apollo Proton Cancer Centre.
The symposium was co-chaired by internationally renowned colorectal specialists Steven D. Wexner of MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and Manish Chand from University College London.
Organised by the Institute of Colorectal Surgery at Apollo Hospitals, the symposium represents over a decade of efforts to advance subspecialisation in colorectal surgery, transforming it into a highly specialised discipline driven by precision technology and multidisciplinary cancer care.
