As a medical journalist, I recently walked into the cosy corridors of Kirit Nursing Home to report on an advanced offering that many find hopeful: robotic surgery for gynecological cancer in Mumbai. My mission was to meet with Dr. Maitreyee Parulekar, observe the clinic environment, and understand — from the patient’s and surgeon’s perspectives — what this high-tech option really means for women battling cancers of the uterus, ovary, or cervix.
Dr. Maitreyee Parulekar — Credentials, Experience & Clinical Setup
Dr. Maitreyee Parulekar, is a highly qualified gynecological oncologist: she completed her MS in Obstetrics & Gynaecology from KEM Hospital, Mumbai, where she graduated as a Gold Medallist. She is also a Member of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (UK), and holds a Fellowship in Minimal Access Surgery (FMAS) from the Galaxy Care Laparoscopy Institute, Pune.
Her specialization in complex oncological and minimally invasive gynecological procedures was further honed through a dedicated Fellowship in Gynaecological Oncosurgery & Robotic Surgery at Seoul National University Hospital, South Korea. She also underwent a Visiting Scholars program for Minimally Invasive Gynaecology at Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto.
During my visit to Kirit Nursing Home — located in Vile Parle East, Mumbai — the clinic itself struck me as warm and professional rather than flashy. The focus is clearly on medical excellence and compassionate care. Their operating and consultation structure supports robotic-assisted surgeries, oncological follow-up, diagnostic work-ups, and supportive care — making it a comprehensive centre for women’s health, especially in cancer treatment.
Dr. Parulekar’s background, combining top-tier Indian and international training with a fellowship in robotic onco-surgery, positions her among the leading Gynecologist In Mumbai offering advanced, minimally invasive care for cancer patients.
Robotic Surgery for Gynecological Cancer: What It Involves
According to the information shared by Dr. Parulekar during our conversation — and supported by clinic literature — robotic-assisted surgery uses a high-definition 3D camera and precision robotic instruments, controlled by the surgeon, to perform complex pelvic surgeries through small incisions.
This technology is applied to treat cancers of the uterus (endometrial), cervix, ovary, and in select cases, vulvar or vaginal malignancies — through radical hysterectomy, tumor excision, lymph node dissection, staging procedures, or fertility-preserving operations when appropriate.
The procedure is described as a significant step forward compared to traditional open surgeries: better visualisation, precision, reduced blood loss, limited trauma to surrounding healthy tissue — all of which are critical when dealing with oncological surgeries where margins and tissue preservation matter.
Benefits & Risks: The Realities of Robotic Onco-Surgery
Benefits
- Enhanced precision & minimal invasiveness: The robotic arms allow fine, tremor-filtered movements; the 3D camera offers magnified views, ensuring maximum tumor removal while preserving healthy tissue. This precision matters especially in delicate gynecological cancer surgeries.
- Smaller incisions, less blood loss, faster recovery: Compared to open surgery, patients often experience less postoperative pain, reduced transfusion needs, shorter hospital stay and quicker return to daily life.
- Better postoperative outcomes and quality of life: For early-stage cancers, this method can offer comparable oncological outcomes with added advantages — minimal scarring, preservation of pelvic structures (when possible), and faster rehabilitation.
- Fertility-sparing possibilities (in select cases): In planning surgeries for younger patients, Dr. Parulekar explained that robotic precision sometimes enables tumour removal while retaining reproductive organs or limiting impact — though suitability depends strongly on stage, histology, and individual health. (Discussion with doctor + clinic literature)
Risks & Considerations
- Suitability dependent on cancer stage and patient health: Not all gynecological cancers are amenable to robotic surgery — advanced or widespread disease may still require more extensive open surgery or adjunct therapies (chemotherapy/radiation). Dr. Parulekar stressed careful preoperative evaluation. (Interview insight + clinic disclaimers)
- Surgical risks remain: As with any surgery, there are risks of bleeding, infection, anesthesia complications, or injury to adjacent organs — even if the invasiveness is lower than open surgery.
- Cost and resource constraints: Robotic surgery demands specialized equipment, trained staff, and postoperative care — which can increase overall cost and require availability of suitable infrastructure.
- Need for informed consent and realistic expectations: As Dr. Parulekar emphasised, patients must understand that robotic surgery is not a “magic bullet” — success depends on cancer type, stage, margins, and postoperative therapy/follow-up. (Interview insights)
Cost Insight — What Patients Should Know
While the clinic does not publish a fixed price list, during my interview Dr. Parulekar explained that costs for robotic gynecological cancer surgery vary significantly depending on multiple factors: cancer type, stage, extent of surgery, need for lymph-node dissection, hospital stay duration, and additional treatments like chemo/radiation.
Broadly speaking:
- Early-stage cancer surgeries with limited scope and minimal complications tend to cost less (modest hospitalization, shorter stay).
- More complex surgeries — involving extensive resection, staging, frozen section analysis, longer hospital stay — will naturally incur higher costs.
- Ancillary costs: diagnostics (imaging, labs), pre-op assessments, post-operative care, follow-up visits, possible adjuvant therapy — these add to overall expense.
Dr. Parulekar maintains that treatment plans and costs are discussed transparently during consultation, tailored to the individual’s needs and cancer profile. (Interview detail + clinic practice)
For many patients, robotic surgery may still prove more cost-effective in the long run, given shorter recovery, fewer complications, and possibly reduced need for prolonged hospital stay — but the tradeoff between technology and cost must be weighed carefully.
Precautions & Aftercare — What Patients Were Advised
From my discussion with Dr. Parulekar and reviewing the centre’s post-operative care guidelines, several key recommendations stood out:
- Pre-surgery evaluation is essential: Every patient undergoes detailed assessment — imaging, labs, biopsy / histopathology review — to ensure suitability for robotic surgery, especially in cancer cases. (Clinic protocol)
- Post-operative care and follow-up vigilance: Patients are advised regular monitoring, imaging / lab follow-ups, and adherence to medication or adjuvant therapy schedules, if recommended. (Doctor’s advice)
- Gradual resumption of activities: Though recovery is faster compared to open surgery, Dr. Parulekar recommends gradual return to normal routine, avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous physical stress for a prescribed period. (Interview insight)
- Emotional support and counselling: Given the psychological impact of cancer diagnosis and surgery, patients receive counselling regarding realistic outcomes, fertility implications (if any), and long-term care — emphasising informed decision-making rather than hasty treatment. (Observed patient-centered approach)
- Lifestyle, prevention, and survivorship care: For long-term well-being, patients are guided on healthy habits, regular gynecologic check-ups, and surveillance — to monitor any recurrence or manage overall reproductive health. (Clinic philosophy)
Reflections: What My Visit Uncovered — Robotic Onco-Surgery as Hope
Visiting Kirit Nursing Home and observing Dr. Maitreyee Parulekar, work left me with a sense of cautious optimism. Robotic surgery for gynecological cancers represents one of the most advanced, patient-friendly options available in Mumbai today — combining global training, cutting-edge equipment, and compassionate care under a Top Gynae Oncologist In Mumbai.
For women seeking treatment for early-stage uterine, cervical, or ovarian cancers, robotic-assisted surgery may offer not just medical efficacy, but better quality of life, faster recovery, and reduced trauma — critical factors in cancer care and survivorship.
However, the advantages come with responsibilities: informed consent, realistic expectations, adherence to follow-up, and understanding that oncological safety (margins, staging, adjuvant therapy) remains the top priority — not cosmetic ease.
If you or someone you know is navigating gynecological cancer — and seeking advanced, minimally invasive options — it may be worth discussing robotic surgery with Dr. Maitreyee Parulekar. Her blend of international training, surgical expertise, and patient-centered approach offers a compelling path forward.
Let’s enhance not just survival — but quality of life.
Serving you from Kirit Nursing Home, Vile Parle, Mumbai.
For consultation: call +91 72087 27500
Email info@drmaitreyeegynec.in
Because in the fight against cancer, every detail — precision, compassion, hope — matters.