-
admin
- October 6, 2025
Why Minimally Invasive Surgery Is Changing Cancer Treatment in Kolkata
Cancer treatment has entered a new era — one that prioritizes precision, comfort, and recovery over painful, prolonged hospital stays. Among the most significant breakthroughs is minimally invasive cancer surgery, a technique that has completely transformed how surgical oncology is practiced.
In Kolkata, this transformation is being led by Dr. Pallabika Mandal, a highly skilled surgical oncologist trained at AIIMS, New Delhi. With her expertise in laparoscopic cancer surgery and advanced operative techniques, she is helping patients recover faster, experience fewer complications, and return to their normal lives sooner.
What Is Minimally Invasive Cancer Surgery?
Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) — often called laparoscopic or robotic cancer surgery — is a modern approach where cancer is removed through small incisions rather than large open cuts. The surgeon operates using long, slender instruments guided by a high-definition camera that magnifies internal organs on a screen.
Unlike traditional open surgery, which causes significant trauma to surrounding tissues, MIS ensures minimal disturbance while maintaining surgical accuracy. This results in:
- Smaller scars and better cosmetic results
- Reduced post-operative pain
- Shorter hospital stays
- Lower infection risk
- Faster healing and rehabilitation
For many cancers — including stomach, colon, liver, ovarian, uterine, and pancreatic cancers — this technique has proven to be as effective as open surgery, with the added benefit of improved quality of life.
Dr. Pallabika Mandal: Bringing Global Expertise to Kolkata
Dr. Pallabika Mandal’s training in Surgical Oncology (M.Ch) from AIIMS, New Delhi, gives her an exceptional foundation in both complex open and laparoscopic procedures. She brings global surgical standards to Kolkata, making advanced cancer care accessible and affordable for local patients.
Her areas of expertise include:
- Gastrointestinal cancers: Stomach, colon, and rectal tumors
- Hepatobiliary cancers: Liver and gallbladder malignancies
- Pancreatic cancers: Complex cases requiring precision
- Gynecologic cancers: Ovarian, uterine, and cervical cancers
- Breast cancer: Breast-conserving and reconstructive surgeries
At Peerless Hospital and Pathkind Labs, she combines skill, empathy, and technology to deliver comprehensive, patient-centered cancer care.
How Laparoscopic Cancer Surgery Works
In laparoscopic cancer surgery, small incisions (usually 0.5–1 cm) are made near the tumor site. Through these ports, a laparoscope — a thin tube with a high-definition camera — and surgical instruments are inserted. The surgeon performs the entire procedure while watching magnified images on a monitor, allowing unparalleled precision.
For patients, this means:
- Minimal blood loss during surgery
- Reduced pain after surgery
- Quicker bowel function recovery
- Earlier discharge (often within 3–5 days)
- Lower need for post-operative medications
This approach is particularly beneficial for abdominal and pelvic cancers, where precision and minimal tissue handling make a major difference in long-term recovery.
Advantages of Minimally Invasive Cancer Treatment in Kolkata
Kolkata’s healthcare infrastructure now supports advanced technologies like laparoscopic and robotic systems. Under the expertise of surgeons like Dr. Mandal, patients can access world-class oncology treatment without the high costs typically associated with metro cities like Delhi or Mumbai.
Key benefits include:
- Less trauma and scarring — Small incisions reduce tissue damage.
- Shorter recovery time — Patients can resume daily activities within weeks.
- Reduced risk of infection — Fewer open wounds mean lower exposure.
- Improved accuracy — High-definition imaging enhances tumor visualization.
- Better quality of life — Patients experience less discomfort and anxiety.
The Role of Robotic-Assisted Surgery
In select cases, Dr. Mandal also uses robotic-assisted surgical systems that further enhance accuracy and control. Robotic instruments mimic the natural movements of the human wrist, allowing for delicate dissections even in hard-to-reach areas.
Robotic cancer surgery offers additional advantages such as:
- 3D magnified vision
- Tremor filtration for steady control
- Better preservation of nerves and surrounding organs
- Superior outcomes for deep pelvic and hepatobiliary cancers
This technology-driven approach ensures that even complex cancers can be managed safely with minimal collateral damage.
Conditions Best Suited for Minimally Invasive Surgery
Not every cancer can be treated through a minimally invasive method, but many are excellent candidates. Dr. Mandal evaluates each patient’s case individually to determine the best approach.
Some of the cancers successfully treated with MIS include:
- Colon and rectal cancer: Laparoscopic colectomy or anterior resection
- Stomach cancer: Laparoscopic gastrectomy with lymph node dissection
- Gallbladder and liver cancer: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy or hepatectomy
- Pancreatic cancer: Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy
- Gynecologic cancers: Laparoscopic hysterectomy, oophorectomy, and staging
- Breast cancer: Sentinel lymph node biopsy and breast conservation
By selecting patients carefully, she ensures optimal outcomes without compromising oncologic safety.
Patient Recovery and Post-Surgery Experience
One of the most remarkable advantages of laparoscopic cancer surgery in Kolkata is the quick recovery time. Most patients experience minimal post-operative pain, can walk within a day, and often return home in just a few days.
Post-surgery benefits observed in Dr. Mandal’s patients include:
- Early mobilization and reduced hospital-acquired infections
- Lower dependency on painkillers
- Better postural comfort and wound healing
- Reduced chances of hernia formation
- Faster emotional recovery due to less surgical stress
Patients also report better overall confidence and satisfaction compared to conventional open procedures.
Real Patient Stories
Case 1: Gallbladder Cancer Survivor, South Kolkata
A 54-year-old woman diagnosed with gallbladder cancer underwent laparoscopic resection by Dr. Mandal. She was discharged within five days and resumed her routine within two weeks. Her post-operative scans showed complete clearance with minimal complications.
Case 2: Stomach Cancer Patient from Howrah
A middle-aged man underwent minimally invasive gastrectomy under Dr. Mandal’s care. Despite his initial fear of surgery, he experienced very little pain and a much faster recovery than expected.
Such outcomes are becoming increasingly common due to the growing availability of minimally invasive techniques in Kolkata.
Why Dr. Pallabika Mandal Stands Out
- AIIMS-trained surgical oncologist — A mark of top-tier education and precision.
- Expert in advanced laparoscopic and robotic procedures.
- Comprehensive care — From diagnosis to post-operative support.
- Patient-first philosophy — Combining empathy with excellence.
- Collaborative approach — Works closely with medical and radiation oncologists for holistic care.
Her philosophy is simple: advanced treatment should be accessible, compassionate, and focused on improving both survival and quality of life.
The Future of Cancer Surgery in Kolkata
The rise of minimally invasive cancer treatment in Kolkata represents a major step forward in healthcare modernization. With continuous advancements in imaging, robotics, and surgical tools, procedures that once required long recovery periods can now be completed with minimal discomfort.
Dr. Mandal and her peers are pioneering this shift, ensuring that patients from Eastern India can receive global-standard oncology care right here in Kolkata — without the financial or emotional burden of traveling elsewhere.
Conclusion
Minimally invasive surgery has redefined what’s possible in cancer treatment. It’s not just about smaller cuts — it’s about faster recovery, reduced complications, and renewed hope.
Through her expertise in laparoscopic cancer surgery, Dr. Pallabika Mandal is helping patients in Kolkata regain health and confidence sooner than ever before. Her focus on precision, compassion, and advanced surgical care continues to position her among the most respected surgical oncologists in Eastern India.