Kochi, October 08, 2026: Apollo Adlux Hospital has successfully performed its first robotic kidney transplant surgery, marking a significant milestone in the hospital’s renal sciences and transplant programme. This also marks the launch of the hospital’s dedicated Robotic Kidney Transplant Unit, offering advanced minimally invasive transplant care to eligible patients.
The complex procedure was led by a multidisciplinary team of specialists from the Department of Urology and Kidney Transplant, comprising transplant surgeons, urologists, nephrologists, anaesthetists and critical care specialists, under the leadership of Dr. Roy P. John, Senior Consultant and Head of the Department. The team included Dr. Jojo Pullockara and Dr. Manju Kamal, Consult Jeena J Sathyan, Senior Consultants in Nephrology; Dr. Biju Sukumaran Pillai, Senior Consultant in Urology; and Dr. Prashanth, Dr. Dinit Joy, Senior Consultants in Anaesthesia. Both the donor and recipient are recovering well following the surgery.
Photo Caption: Dr. Abel George, CEO, Apollo Adlux Hospital; Dr. Ramesh Kumar R, Director of Medical Services; Dr. Dilshad, Chief Operating Officer; and Dr. Nikhilesh, GM Finance, Apollo Adlux Hospital, during the press conference. (From left)
Robotic-assisted kidney transplantation combines minimally invasive surgical techniques with advanced robotic technology, providing surgeons with high-definition 3D visualisation and enhanced instrument dexterity. The procedure is performed through small keyhole incisions, enabling precise handling of delicate blood vessels and urinary tract structures while limiting surgical trauma.
The newly launched unit is expected to offer several potential benefits to appropriately selected patients, including smaller surgical incisions, reduced postoperative discomfort, lower blood loss and a potentially faster recovery. The technology may also provide an additional surgical option for selected complex cases, based on individual clinical assessment.
“The successful completion of our first robotic kidney transplant marks an important milestone in the evolution of our renal sciences programme. The introduction of robotic-assisted transplantation reflects our commitment to bringing advanced surgical technologies and specialised transplant care closer to patients in Kerala. With the expertise of our multidisciplinary team and advanced infrastructure, we look forward to further strengthening our renal and transplant services”, said Dr. Abel George, CEO, Apollo Adlux Hospital.
The launch of the Robotic Kidney Transplant Unit further strengthens Apollo Adlux Hospital’s Centre of Excellence in Renal Sciences, which provides comprehensive renal care ranging from diagnosis and nephrology services to dialysis, kidney transplantation and post-transplant care. The hospital continues to expand its advanced clinical capabilities with the aim of providing specialised treatment options to patients across Kerala and neighbouring regions.
“Robotic kidney transplant facilities are currently available only at a limited number of hospitals. The introduction of this advanced facility at Apollo Adlux marks a significant step forward in the field of kidney transplantation. Robotic technology enables greater precision during surgery and can help reduce post-operative complications,” said Dr. Dilshad, Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Anaesthesiologist, Apollo Adlux Hospital.
The press conference held at Apollo Adlux Hospital was attended by Dr. Ramesh Kumar R, Director of Medical Services, among other senior medical professionals and hospital representatives.