The Hernia Society of India joins hands with Intuitive India 

To familiarise young surgeons with the latest techniques in hernia surgery The Hernia Society of India (HSI) has joined hands with Intuitive, a global technology leader in minimally invasive care and the pioneer of robotic-assisted surgery (RAS), to conduct a national conference for young hernia surgeons across India, in Ahmedabad. The three-day conference was focussed on innovation in technology, highlighting the society's commitment to fostering innovation and excellence in hernia surgery. With an emphasis on new-age surgical techniques like robotic-assisted surgery, the conference aimed to equip young surgeons with advanced skills and empower them to embrace the latest technological advancements. The conference commenced with a pre-conference course that covered a wide range of topics, including anatomy, decision-making, surgical approaches, complication management, and recent advances in hernia surgery. One of the highlights of the course was a dedicated session on Robotic Hernia Surgery, which took place at Zydus Hospital in Ahmedabad. Leading robotic surgeon Dr Vishal Soni served as the convener for this session, where they demonstrated the use of the da Vinci robotic surgery system. The programme featured hands-on simulation exercises and immersive Dry Lab Experiences, allowing young surgeons to refine their skills and gain practical knowledge in a controlled environment. While emphasising the significance of training and upskilling young surgeons on hernia surgery, Dr Vishal Soni, Consultant Robotic GI-AWR Surgeon, Zydus Hospitals, said, “It is estimated that around 151 (4 per cent) hernia repairs would be needed for 100,000 people in India per year. The major factor of concern for a surgeon while performing hernia surgery is recurrence. It is the most important complication, and it varies depending on the type of repair. The coexistent morbidities also add to the overall morbidity, as patients develop respiratory and cardiac complications that are difficult to manage postoperatively. We believe in nurturing the talents of young surgeons and equipping them with the necessary skills to embrace the future of hernia surgeries. The focus on new-age surgical techniques during this conference aligns with the evolving nature of surgical advancements. By providing hands-on training and educational opportunities, we aim to enhance the capabilities of young surgeons and ensure optimal patient outcomes in hernia and abdominal wall reconstruction." Mandeep Singh Kumar, VP and GM, Intuitive India, said, “Our continuous endeavour is to help utilise the latest technological innovations for delivering on the quadruple aim and helping physicians heal without constraints. With the increasing prevalence of hernia in India, there is a need for utilising advanced technologies towards ensuring better clinical outcomes. Since increased adoption of Robotic Assisted Surgery can play a critical role in more effective management of hernias, we are happy to collaborate with The Hernia Society of India for YoungHSICON 2023, which aims to train young surgeons on new-age surgical techniques. In sync with the increasing need, we will continuously expand our focus on general surgery in India, specifically for hernia and abdominal wall reconstruction, while leveraging the learning from the successful implementation of RAS programmes for general surgery in the USA and other key markets.” Dr Deepraj Bhandarkar, President- The Hernia Society of India, said, “The YoungHSICON conference has emerged as a leading platform for hernia surgery in India, rapidly gaining recognition on a global scale. With its focus on innovation, the conference catalyses young surgeons to enhance their expertise and embrace cutting-edge technologies. By incorporating advanced surgical technologies like robotic-assisted surgery into the program, the conference has successfully equipped young surgeons with the necessary skills to excel in the rapidly evolving field of hernia surgery. The success of the YoungHSICON 2023 conference demonstrates the society's dedication to empowering young surgeons and facilitating their professional growth.”