A New Era in Orthopaedics: Father Muller Performs South Kanara’s First Robotic Hip Replacement
In a landmark achievement for healthcare in coastal Karnataka, Father Muller Medical College Hospital has successfully performed South Kanara’s first robotic total hip replacement, ushering in a new era of precision-driven orthopaedic surgery and placing the region firmly on the map of advanced joint care. The milestone procedure brings cutting-edge robotic technology directly to patients in the region, sharply reducing the need to travel to distant metropolitan centres for world-class joint replacement surgery.
The historic surgery was led by Dr Vivian Roshan Dalmeida, Joint Replacement Surgeon and Unit Chief, whose expertise anchored the entire procedure. He was supported by an accomplished surgical team comprising Dr Ashwin Kamath and Dr Alfred Lobo, along with the dedicated residents of the unit. The anaesthesia team was expertly managed by Dr Kishen Shetty and Dr Ritesh Dcunha, ensuring a smooth and safe procedure, with Nurse Nishin playing a vital role in the operating theatre. Crucial to the success was the pre-operative optimisation of the patient by a multidisciplinary team of medical professionals, including Dr Glen Fernandes, Dr Pradeep Pereira and Dr Sudeep, whose careful preparation set the stage for an excellent outcome.
Robotic hip replacement blends the surgeon’s skill with advanced three-dimensional planning and real-time precision. The technology enables highly accurate implant positioning, superior restoration of joint mechanics, and personalised surgical planning tailored to each patient’s unique anatomy — advantages that translate into better function, enhanced stability, and potentially faster recovery.
“The introduction of robotic joint replacement reflects our commitment to offering patients the very latest evidence-based technology, while never compromising on the highest standards of safety and clinical excellence,” said Dr Dalmeida.
This achievement is a natural extension of Father Muller’s strength in orthopaedics. The hospital’s Department of Orthopaedics is a full-fledged, comprehensive department offering specialised expertise across trauma, arthroscopy, spine surgery, and hand and microsurgery, under the able leadership of Dr Mrinal Shetty — making it one of the most complete orthopaedic units in the region. The landmark surgery was made possible by the vision and encouragement of the hospital management, headed by the Director, Rev. Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo, who fast-tracked the acquisition of the most sophisticated robotic system in joint replacement surgery — a decision that reflects the institution’s unwavering commitment to bringing the future of medicine to the people of the region.
With the successful completion of South Kanara’s first robotic hip replacement, Father Muller Medical College Hospital has set a new benchmark in orthopaedic surgery — opening the door for countless patients to benefit from minimally invasive, precision-guided joint replacement, closer to home than ever before.
