Cervical cancer ranks as the second most widely spread type in India and accounts for nearly one-fourth of the world’s cervical cancer deaths.
Earlier this month news of Poonam Pandey’s death from cervical cancer dominated the headlines. It later turned out to be fake news and was a stunt pulled off by Poonam herself and her team to spread critical awareness about the disease.
Poonam Pandey on February 3 said in a video posted on her official Instagram page. I feel obliged to share something significant with you all ‘I am here, alive’
I haven’t been through cervical cancer, but it has claimed the lives of thousands of women who don’t know how to tackle this cancer, the 32-year-old actor added.
What is Cervical Cancer?
Centre for Disease Control and Prevention said that when cancer emerges in the cervix, it is called cervical cancer. The cervix connects to the birth canal to the upper part of the uterus.
It occurs mostly in people over age 30. Long-lasting infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main reason for cervical cancer.
HPV is a common virus that is spread from one person to another during sexual intercourse.
Half of sexually active people will have HPV at some point in their lives, but few are impacted by this disease, according to the CDC.
In India, there are 511.4 million women aged 15 years and older who are at risk of developing cervical cancer.
Current projections indicate that every year approximately 1,23,907 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and 77,348 fail to survive.
The recent awareness about the disease has raised awareness about the second most common type of cancer diagnosed in women and how it can be treated.
Cervical cancer is also known as a silent killer. It is preventable and curable if diagnosed early.
What are the symptoms of Cervical Cancer?
- Colour changes, Unusual vaginal discharge, or odour of vaginal discharge may indicate an infection or abnormality in the cervix.
If the discharge continues or appears unusual, it is important to promptly consult a healthcare professional.
- Women experiencing anomalous bleeding whether occurring after sexual activity, post-menopause, or between periods should undergo a checkup.
- Persistent pelvic pain or uneasiness in the cervix may signal a cervical problem, necessitating thorough research to determine the underlying cause.
- Pain during urinating can be a signal of an infection affecting the urinary or reproductive system.
- Any changes in the urinary or bowel habits, such as difficulty, urgency, or rise in frequency, warrant evaluation. These changes may connect to cervical issues or other pelvic conditions.
Understanding Robotic Surgery
Robotic surgery has gained ubiquitous acceptance as a prevalent surgical choice in the field of healthcare. In this complicated process, the doctor directs robotic arms to perform precise movements during surgery.
Through this advanced technology, the surgeon is offered a three-dimensional visualisation of the surgical area, facilitating smoother navigation even in complex cases.
For the Surgeon’s comfort, a camera is mounted on a 360-degree rotation to capture a full view of the surgical area, including robotic arms activities.
Robotic Surgery for Cervical Cancer
The idea of robotic surgery in the healthcare industry has revolutionised treatment for patients by offering precision, less blood loss and quick recovery time.
The implementation of robotic surgery in the treatment of cervical cancer has marked substantial progress in the field of gynecologic oncology.
Dr Pedro Ramirez and his team at the MD Anderson Cancer Centre in Houston, Texas, played a trendsetting role in introducing robotic-assisted radical hysterectomy of cervical patients.
This led to the shift from traditional open surgeries to a less invasive approach.
The initial stage 1 cervical requires cancer cell removal as the first line of treatment, Dr Raj Nagarkar, MD & Chief of Surgical Oncology & Robotic Services of HCG Manavata Cancer Centre said.
Previously in open surgery, the entire uterus was removed, including ovaries, fallopian tubes and surrounding lymph nodes. However through detailed research, robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery can be safely implemented in cancer surgeries, Dr Raj Nagarkar told IndiaToday.in.
Advantages of Robotic Surgery in Cancer Treatment
- Enhanced Visualisation
- Improved Dexterity of Robotics Arms.
- Lowering blood loss contributes to better outcomes for patients and fast recovery.
Is Robotic Surgery Safe?
The safety of patients remains the topmost priority in a surgical procedure, whether open, laparoscopic or robotic surgery, said Dr Nagarkar.
The expert added “Robotic-assisted surgery has proved great results to open or laparoscopic techniques by improving quality of life. Advancements like three-dimensional imaging, magnification, and perfection of the arms, robotic surgery minimises the pain, early recovery and low risk of infection and bleeding.
Robotic-assisted surgeries do not increase the risk of side effects for the patients.
Also Read: Shark Tank India: Aman Gupta Tears up Rs 1.5 Crore Cheque.