Apollo Hospitals Chennai Launches India’s First Robotics & Telesurgery Program during Apollo International Colorectal Symposium 2026
Chennai, 13 March 2026: Apollo Hospitals Chennai has launched the Apollo Institute of Robotics & Telesurgery (ART), a first-of-its-kind initiative in India aimed at advancing robotic surgery, digital surgery, and remote surgical collaboration. The announcement was made during the 6th Apollo International Colorectal Symposium (AICRS) 2026, which brought together leading global experts to discuss the future of colorectal cancer surgery and technology-enabled healthcare.
The symposium highlighted the rapid evolution of technology-driven colorectal care, focusing on innovations such as robotic surgery, digital surgical platforms, and emerging telesurgical technologies that are expanding access to advanced surgical expertise worldwide.
Press meet Youtube Video link 👇
A key highlight was the Apollo Rectal Cancer (ARC) Programme at the Apollo Proton Cancer Centre in Chennai. The programme offers a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to treating complex rectal cancers, integrating colorectal surgeons, radiation and medical oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, specialist nurses, nutritionists, and rehabilitation experts to provide coordinated, patient-centred care.
The event also showcased the growing adoption of robotic colorectal surgery at Apollo Hospitals. Prof. Dr. Venkatesh Munikrishnan and his team have completed more than 1,000 robotic colorectal procedures, including one of the largest personal series of robotic rectal cancer resections in the region. This milestone has helped position Apollo Hospitals Chennai as a leading centre for advanced rectal cancer treatment and robotic surgical training, attracting surgeons and fellows from across India and abroad.
During the event, Dr. Sudhir Srivastava, Founder Chairman and CEO of SS Innovations, highlighted the transformative potential of telesurgery, noting that advanced platforms can help extend specialist surgical expertise to hospitals that lack subspecialty capabilities.
Looking ahead, Apollo Hospitals formally announced the launch of the Apollo Institute of Robotics & Telesurgery (ART) to accelerate innovation in robotic and digital surgery while enabling remote surgical collaboration between centres of excellence and healthcare institutions across geographies. The launch was attended by Dr. Ilankumaran Kaliamoorthy, CEO – Chennai Region, Apollo Hospitals, and Mr. Karan Puri, CEO – Apollo Speciality Hospital, Teynampet & Apollo Proton Cancer Centre.
****
.jpeg)