New Delhi, Apr 15: A live robotic-assisted kidney donor surgery was successfully demonstrated at the 3rd Global SSI Multi-Specialty Robotic Surgery Conference (SMRSC) 2026, held from April 9th to 11 at Bharat Mandapam, bringing into focus the growing role of advanced surgical technologies in improving transplant outcomes.
The procedure, a robotic left donor nephrectomy, involves the precise removal of a healthy donor’s kidney for transplantation into a patient with end-stage renal disease. Conducted before an audience of over 1,000 doctors, surgeons, and global medical experts, the surgery was also streamed live, enabling real-time learning and discussion.
The 40-year-old donor in this case was the brother of the recipient, 45-year-old, highlighting the critical and sensitive nature of living donor transplants, where a healthy individual undergoes surgery solely to improve another person’s life. The surgical team from Marengo Asia Hospitals, Faridabad, led by Dr Ritesh Mongha and Dr Lokendra Yadav, carried out the procedure, demonstrating key aspects such as step-by-step dissection, vascular control, and donor safety protocols. The surgery was completed successfully in approximately two hours without complications.
Robotic donor nephrectomy is considered a complex procedure due to the need for high precision, careful handling of blood vessels, and ensuring minimal risk to a healthy donor. Experts note that traditional open surgeries often involve larger incisions, longer recovery periods, and higher post-operative discomfort. In contrast, robotic-assisted techniques offer minimally invasive access, reduced blood loss, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery, while maintaining surgical accuracy.
Doctors emphasised that donor safety remains paramount in such procedures, as this is one of the few surgeries performed not for the patient’s own medical benefit, but to help another individual. This makes it essential to ensure minimal blood loss, reduced pain, and the highest standards of surgical precision.
The live demonstration formed part of the broader scientific programme at SMRSC 2026, which brought together leading global experts to deliberate on advancements in robotic surgery, artificial intelligence, and digital healthcare. The conference featured keynote sessions, multi-specialty panel discussions, and immersive experience zones showcasing next-generation technologies such as advanced robotic systems, integrated surgical intelligence platforms, and future-ready operating room ecosystems.
The procedure was specifically showcased at this global platform to demonstrate that robotic donor nephrectomy is not only feasible but also safe and effective when performed with the right expertise. Experts highlighted that the procedure can be carried out with minimal or no blood loss, while maintaining safety standards comparable to open and laparoscopic surgeries, along with added benefits of faster recovery and reduced post-operative discomfort.
Organised as a global platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange, the conference highlighted India’s growing capabilities in the field of surgical robotics and its increasing adoption in complex procedures such as organ transplantation.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Ritesh Mongha, Clinical Director & Head of Urology, Uro-Oncology and Renal Transplant, Marengo Asia Hospitals, said the live demonstration reflects the evolution of transplant surgery in India and the importance of training and knowledge-sharing in advancing patient care.
Dr Lokendra Yadav, Consultant in Urology and Robotic Surgery, added that such platforms help build confidence among surgical teams and accelerate the adoption of precision-driven techniques across institutions.
The demonstration is expected to contribute to wider acceptance of robotic-assisted procedures in organ donation programmes, while reinforcing the importance of technology-led, patient-centric surgical care
