Historic Milestone: South Kanara’s First Robotic Total Hip Replacement Performed at Father Muller
MANGALURU, July 17: Father Muller Medical College Hospital has created medical history by successfully performing South Kanara’s first robotic total hip replacement, marking a significant milestone in orthopaedic healthcare in coastal Karnataka and bringing world-class robotic joint replacement surgery closer to patients in the region.
The landmark procedure ushers in a new era of precision-driven orthopaedic surgery, enabling patients from coastal Karnataka to access advanced robotic-assisted joint replacement without the need to travel to metropolitan centres.
The surgery was led by Dr. Vivian Roshan D’Almeida, Joint Replacement Surgeon and Unit Chief, with support from Dr. Ashwin Kamath, Dr. Alfred Lobo, and the orthopaedic residents. The anaesthesia team comprised Dr. Kishen Shetty and Dr. Ritesh D’Cunha, while Nurse Nishin played a key role in the operating theatre.
The patient’s pre-operative optimisation was undertaken by a multidisciplinary team that included Dr. Glen Fernandes, Dr. Pradeep Pereira, and Dr. Sudeep, whose comprehensive preparation contributed significantly to the successful outcome.
Robotic-assisted hip replacement combines the expertise of the surgeon with advanced three-dimensional planning and real-time precision. The technology enables highly accurate implant placement, personalised surgical planning based on each patient’s anatomy, superior restoration of joint mechanics, and improved surgical accuracy, which may contribute to better function, enhanced joint stability, and faster recovery.
Speaking on the advancement, Dr. Vivian Roshan D’Almeida said the introduction of robotic joint replacement reflects the institution’s commitment to offering patients the latest evidence-based technology while maintaining the highest standards of patient safety and clinical excellence.
The achievement further strengthens the capabilities of the Department of Orthopaedics at Father Muller Medical College Hospital, which offers specialised services in trauma care, arthroscopy, spine surgery, hand surgery, microsurgery, and joint replacement under the leadership of Dr. Mrinal Shetty.
The acquisition of the advanced robotic system was made possible through the vision and support of Rev. Fr. Faustine Lucas Lobo, Director of Father Muller Charitable Institutions, who facilitated the introduction of the latest robotic technology for joint replacement surgery as part of the institution’s commitment to providing state-of-the-art healthcare services.
With the successful completion of South Kanara’s first robotic total hip replacement, Father Muller Medical College Hospital has established a new benchmark in orthopaedic care, opening new possibilities for patients across coastal Karnataka to benefit from precision-guided, minimally invasive joint replacement surgery closer to home.
