Observing Robotic Fibroid Surgery in Mumbai: My Visit with Dr. Maitreyee Parulekar
- Pooja Vishwakarma
- 4 days ago
- 6 min read
As a medical journalist, I recently visited Kirit Nursing Home in Mumbai to meet and interview Dr. Maitreyee Parulekar — a surgeon frequently mentioned when people search for “Robotic fibroid surgery in Mumbai.” I came in with questions, some healthy skepticism, and a desire to understand how robotic-assisted myomectomy is practiced here: what it promises, what it risks, and what recovery looks like under expert care.
Who is Dr. Maitreyee Parulekar — Credentials, Experience & Clinic Setup
Dr. Maitreyee Parulekar is a highly qualified gynecologist and onco-gynecological surgeon. Her credentials include an MBBS followed by an MS in Obstetrics & Gynaecology from the prestigious KEM Hospital, Mumbai — where she graduated top of her class, earning a Gold Medal. She is also a Member of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (UK), and has completed FMAS (Fellowship in Minimal Access Surgery).
Beyond that, she underwent specialized fellowship training in Gynaecological Oncosurgery and Robotic Surgery at Seoul National University Hospital, South Korea — a strong indicator of her international surgical exposure. Additionally, she augmented her training with a Visiting Scholars Program in Minimally Invasive Gynaecology at Mount Sinai and Women’s College Hospital, Toronto.
Her practice at Kirit Nursing Home, Vile Parle East, Mumbai, reflects this high level of training. The clinic environment is described as modern, equipped for minimally invasive and robotic procedures, and designed to offer comfort and dignity to women undergoing gynecological care.
Given her background and training, it’s fair to describe her among the Top Gynae Oncologist in Mumbai, especially for patients seeking advanced gynecological care with minimal invasiveness.
What is Robotic Fibroid Surgery — How Dr. Parulekar Performs It
During the interview, Dr. Parulekar explained that robotic fibroid surgery (robotic myomectomy) represents a modern evolution in fibroid management. Rather than traditional open surgery with large incisions, this technique uses small key-hole incisions. Through these, a robotic system — controlled by the surgeon — deploys instruments and a high-definition 3D camera to remove fibroids with precision and minimal collateral damage.
Because fibroids often involve the uterine muscle, robotic-assisted surgery allows careful excision of the fibroid(s), followed by layered suturing of the uterine wall. This preserves the uterus and — when possible — fertility, a crucial benefit for many women.
Patients are under general anesthesia during the procedure; the duration varies depending on number, size and location of fibroids. Post-surgery, many patients experience shorter hospital stay (often 1–2 days), minimal pain, quicker return to daily routines, and smaller scars compared to open surgery.
Dr. Parulekar emphasized that this technique combines her training in gynecological oncology and minimally invasive surgery — ensuring that even complex fibroid cases are handled with the utmost care and expertise.
Benefits and Risks of Robotic Fibroid Surgery
Benefits
Precision and uterus preservation: Because of robotic control and enhanced visualization, the surgeon can excise fibroids carefully while conserving healthy uterine tissue. This is particularly valuable for women who wish to preserve fertility.
Reduced invasiveness, faster recovery: Smaller incisions, minimal blood loss, less pain, and shorter hospital stays — enabling women to return to normal life sooner than is typical with open surgery.
Better cosmetic outcomes: Less scarring overall, which can matter significantly for patient comfort and confidence.
Minimized trauma to surrounding tissues: Robotic instruments enable delicate dissection, reducing risk of collateral damage to nearby organs or tissues.
Risks and Limitations
Surgical risks remain: As with any surgery under general anesthesia — there is a risk of bleeding, infection, or injury to surrounding organs.
Possibility of conversion to open surgery: In some complex cases (deep or multiple fibroids, abnormal anatomy), robotic surgery might not be feasible and may require open surgery mid-procedure. Dr. Parulekar explained that this possibility is discussed during preoperative counselling.
Recurrence potential: Even after successful myomectomy, fibroids can recur over time — due to hormonal or genetic factors. Regular monitoring is important.
Cost and resource limitations: Robotic surgery involves advanced technology and trained staff — which can make it more expensive than conventional procedures, potentially limiting accessibility.
Approximate Cost Range
During our conversation, Dr. Parulekar refrained from quoting a fixed cost, noting that expense depends on factors like number and size of fibroids, complexity of surgery, hospital stay duration, and postoperative care requirements. Given the advanced nature of robotic surgery and associated operating-room resources, patients should anticipate a cost higher than standard open or laparoscopic myomectomy.
Based on available information and typical cost patterns in Mumbai for minimally invasive gynecological surgeries at private setups using advanced technology, the cost could range widely. For a complete robotic myomectomy — inclusive of surgeon fees, anesthesia, hospital stay, and post-operative monitoring — many patients may expect to budget accordingly (several tens of thousands to a few lakhs of rupees). The exact figure, Dr. Parulekar emphasized, can only be determined after a detailed pre-operative assessment.
Precautions and Aftercare Advice Given by Dr. Parulekar
From my interview and through clinic protocol, these are key precautions and aftercare guidelines highlighted by Dr. Parulekar for women undergoing robotic fibroid surgery:
Preoperative evaluation is essential: Detailed imaging (ultrasound / MRI), lab tests, general health assessment — to ensure the patient is fit for surgery, especially given anesthesia and potential complexity.
Informed consent and counselling: The doctor advises candid discussion about benefits, risks, possibility of conversion to open surgery, and probability of fibroid recurrence — empowering patients to make informed decisions.
Post-surgical rest and gradual return: Though recovery is faster than open surgery, patients are advised to avoid strenuous activity for a few weeks, maintain gentle mobility, and follow dietary and fluid recommendations.
Follow-up and monitoring: Regular follow-up visits, ultrasound scans, and possibly hormonal or lifestyle counselling to monitor uterine health and detect any regrowth of fibroids early.
Fertility considerations (if applicable): For women desiring future pregnancy, the doctor ensures careful uterine repair and advises on optimal timing for conception — balancing healing and fertility goals.
Lifestyle and general health maintenance: Healthy diet, stress management, and regular gynecological check-ups are part of long-term care plan to minimize recurrence risk.
Who Might Benefit — And When to Consider Robotic Surgery
Based on what I learned, robotic fibroid surgery in Mumbai under Dr. Parulekar may be particularly beneficial for:
Women with moderate to large fibroids, multiple fibroids, or fibroids causing heavy bleeding, pain, or fertility issues.
Those who wish to preserve uterus and fertility — robotic myomectomy offers the possibility of fibroid removal without hysterectomy.
Patients seeking minimally invasive surgery with faster recovery and minimal scarring.
Individuals willing to undergo proper preoperative evaluation, post-operative follow-up, and commit to aftercare.
However, women with medical contraindications (severe comorbidities, certain uterine abnormalities), or those with very large or unusually located fibroids may need careful evaluation — in some cases, alternative approaches may be safer.
Reflecting on My Visit: Robotic Surgery as a Bridge Between Technology and Compassion
Observing the facility, speaking with Dr. Maitreyee Parulekar , and reviewing the surgical approach convinced me that Robotic fibroid surgery in Mumbai — when done by a surgeon with the credentials, training, and careful approach of Dr. Parulekar — offers a compelling alternative to traditional fibroid surgery. It represents a blend of surgical precision, technological advancement, and patient-centered care.
This kind of care transforms what can be a deeply distressing condition — recurrent pain, heavy bleeding, fertility anxiety — into a manageable problem with a clear path to recovery and renewed quality of life. Yet it’s important to recognize that it’s not a magic bullet: risks remain, and long-term follow-up and healthy lifestyle remain key.
If you—or someone you know—are living with symptomatic fibroids, and are considering treatment, you might reflect on whether robotic surgery could offer the balance of efficacy, safety, and fertility preservation. When guided by a Gynecologist in Mumbai like Dr. Maitreyee Parulekar — also referred to as a Top Gynae Oncologist in Mumbai — robotic fibroid surgery may be a reasonable, hope-offering option.
Let’s take a step toward better women’s health and informed choices — if you’d like more clarity or wish to explore whether robotic fibroid surgery is right for you, consider reaching out to:
Let’s enhance your natural well-being!
Contact Details:
📞 Call: +91 72087 27500
✉️ Email: info@drmaitreyeegynec.in
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