Surgical innovation is constantly redefining what is possible in patient care. My experience with Project Condor at IRCAD India was a remarkable example of how advanced robotics and connectivity can extend the reach of surgical expertise beyond geographical boundaries.
As part of this initiative, I had the opportunity to perform two Tele-Robotic Hernia Surgeries using two advanced robotic platforms—the SSI Mantra Surgical Robotic System and the Toumai Surgical Robot by MicroPort MedBot.
Both procedures were performed with approximately 30 milliseconds of latency, demonstrating the level of connectivity and technological precision required to perform complex surgical procedures remotely.
What made Project Condor particularly significant was the simultaneous use of two different robotic platforms through a single command centre. Alongside me, Dr. Mohit Bhandari performed two Tele-Robotic Bariatric Surgeries, bringing the total to four Tele-Robotic Surgeries as part of this initiative.
From a surgical perspective, tele-robotics presents an exciting opportunity. Hernia surgery demands meticulous planning, precise dissection and controlled movements. The ability to translate these surgical skills through a robotic platform across considerable distances represents an important development in the evolution of minimally invasive surgery.
However, technology alone cannot create such an outcome. The success of Project Condor depended on close coordination between surgeons, operating-room teams, robotic technology specialists and the command centre. I sincerely appreciate the efforts of Team MedBot, Team SSI Mantra, Team Mohak and Team IRCAD India in bringing this initiative together.
For me, Project Condor is an important glimpse into the future of connected surgery—a future where geographical distance can become less restrictive for surgical collaboration, expertise sharing and access to advanced procedures. I am proud to have been part of this journey and to have contributed to exploring what tele-robotic technology can bring to the field of hernia surgery.