In a remarkable medical achievement, doctors at HCG Manavata Cancer Centre (HCGMCC) have restored a patient’s ability to eat solid food after 14 years, following a successful robotic esophagectomy.
Ms. Ujwala Chavan, a 37-year-old from Mumbai, had been unable to consume solid meals due to a severe stricture at the junction of her throat and food pipe. Repeated painful dilatation procedures had confined her to a liquid diet for over a decade. Earlier this year, she was diagnosed with cancer in the lower esophagus, making surgery her only hope.
Under the expertise of Prof. Dr. Raj Nagarkar, Chief of Surgical Oncology & Robotic Services and Managing Director at HCG Manavata Cancer Centre, she underwent a complex, minimally invasive robotic esophagectomy. The procedure was completed with precision, and her recovery was rapid — she began tube feeding by day two, was discharged on day four, and resumed oral feeding within a week.
“There are victories measured in survival, and then there are victories of joy and dignity,” said Dr. Nagarkar. “To see her eat again after 14 years was deeply moving. Robotic-assisted surgery allowed us to operate with precision and ensure faster recovery.”
This case underscores the transformative role of robotic surgery in oncology, enabling better precision, minimal trauma, and quicker rehabilitation for patients across India.