TFP Bureau, Raipur, September 21, 2024: BALCO Medical Centre (BMC), a premier cancer care facility in India, hosted an influential event showcasing the latest advancements in cancer treatment. Top oncologists from Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, performed live surgical demonstrations using Microsoft HoloLens 2, an augmented reality (AR) tool that provides 3D visualization during complex surgeries. This is the first time this technology has been utilized for cancer treatment in central India, drawing significant attention from medical professionals nationwide.
The event was part of the Annual BMC Chhattisgarh Cancer Conclave and attracted over 120 participants, both in person and virtually. Surgeons from across the country observed cutting-edge techniques for treating pancreatic and gastric cancers, demonstrating how AR is transforming surgical precision.
Augmented Reality Revolutionizes Cancer Surgery
Using the Microsoft HoloLens 2, surgeons converted traditional 2D imaging from CT and MRI scans into interactive 3D holograms, allowing for enhanced planning and precision during cancer surgeries. Dr. Shailesh V. Shrikhande, Head of Cancer Surgery at Tata Memorial Hospital, demonstrated a Pancreato-duodenectomy (Whipple procedure), one of the most complex surgeries in cancer treatment. He emphasized how the technology helps surgeons better understand tumour anatomy and surrounding structures, reducing complications and improving patient outcomes.
“The use of HoloLens in pancreatic cancer surgery is a game-changer,” said Dr. Shrikhande. “Its 3D imaging capabilities allow surgeons to evaluate tumour characteristics with unprecedented accuracy, improving preoperative planning and minimizing complications. This will greatly enhance our ability to teach young surgeons and bring advanced cancer care closer to patients, reducing their need to travel for treatment.”
Impact of Live Surgical Demonstrations
During the conclave, Professor Manish Bhandare, a leading Gastrointestinal Surgeon from Tata Memorial Hospital, operated on a gastric cancer case, further showcasing the benefits of live surgical demonstrations. “These sessions are crucial for sharing real-time insights, enabling surgeons nationwide to adopt the latest techniques and improve patient care,” said Dr. Bhandare.
BMC Pioneers AR in Cancer Care
Dr. Shravan Nadkarni, Consultant Surgical Oncologist at BALCO Medical Centre, highlighted the significance of AR in oncology.
“HoloLens 2 allows us to view tumour margins and blood vessels with extraordinary clarity, leading to safer and more precise surgeries,” he said.
This advanced technology, while common in the West, is now beginning to impact cancer treatment in India, particularly in regions like Chhattisgarh.
Dr. Mou Roy, Director of Surgical and Clinical Oncology at BMC, echoed this sentiment:
“Integrating augmented reality into our surgical practices is a major step forward for healthcare in this region. It minimizes complications and enhances the precision of surgeries, ultimately benefiting patients.”
A Milestone in Cancer Care
Dr. Bhawna Sirohi, Medical Director of BALCO Medical Centre, hailed the conclave as a major milestone.
“Hosting such internationally renowned experts at BMC is a testament to our commitment to providing affordable, high-quality cancer care. This event represents a significant step toward advancing cancer treatment in Chhattisgarh,” she said.
The successful deployment of AR technology at the conclave has set a new benchmark for cancer care in India, with hopes that more hospitals will adopt these advanced methods to improve patient outcomes across the country.
