A World-First Milestone in Transcontinental Robotic Bariatric Surgery
On 7 July 2026, I had the privilege of being part of a landmark achievement in global surgery. Operating remotely from IRCAD France, Strasbourg, I successfully performed 10 robotic gastric bypass procedures on patients located at IRCAD India, Indore, using the advanced MEDBOT Toumai Pro Robotic Surgical System.
This accomplishment represented far more than a technological breakthrough. It demonstrated how robotic innovation, real-time connectivity, and surgical expertise can come together to overcome geographical barriers and redefine the future of healthcare delivery. By performing complex bariatric procedures across continents, we proved that expert surgical care can be delivered beyond traditional boundaries while maintaining precision, safety, and clinical excellence.
What made this milestone particularly significant was its pioneering nature. The successful completion of these transcontinental robotic bariatric procedures marked a major advancement in the field of telesurgery and showcased possibilities that were once considered unattainable.
Connecting Strasbourg, France, and Indore, India, in real time, this initiative reinforced the belief that distance should never limit access to specialized surgical expertise.
I am deeply grateful to Prof. Jacques Marescaux, President of IRCAD Global, whose vision and leadership have continuously driven innovation in minimally invasive and robotic surgery. I also extend my sincere appreciation to the teams at IRCAD France, IRCAD India, and Mohak Bariatrics & Robotics for their unwavering dedication, collaboration, and commitment to excellence. I was honored to have Dr. Manoel Galvão Neto and Dr.
Mahak Bhandari present at IRCAD India during this historic initiative, further strengthening the spirit of international collaboration and knowledge exchange that made this achievement possible.
Adding further significance to this accomplishment, the achievement was officially recognized by the World Book of Records, London, for performing the highest number of transcontinental tele-robotic gastric bypass surgeries by a surgeon in a single session. Completing 10 robotic gastric bypass procedures within 11 hours established a new benchmark in global robotic bariatric surgery.
This milestone stands as a powerful testament to how innovation, collaboration, and technology can connect continents, transform patient care, and shape the future of global surgery.