Robotic Knee Replacements: A Leap Towards 24-Hour Discharge in India

Robotic Knee Replacements: A Leap Towards 24-Hour Discharge in India

In a groundbreaking achievement, a 66-year-old patient suffering from severe bilateral osteoarthritis walked out of Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, just 18 hours after undergoing a double knee replacement. This milestone not only highlights the rapid advancements in medical technology but also points to a future where faster, more affordable care becomes the norm in India.

A Surgical Milestone

The patient, who had long battled debilitating pain and limited mobility due to varus deformity in both knees, underwent a bilateral total knee replacement using advanced medial pivot implants and robotic assistance. Dr. Sujoy Bhattacharjee, Chairman of the Max Institute of Robotic Joint Replacement, led the surgical team, which achieved a feat that typically demands several days of hospitalization.

Key factors contributing to this success include:

• Precision robotics
• Muscle-sparing techniques
• Refined recovery protocols

The Impact of Advanced Technology

Traditional knee replacement surgery often requires a hospital stay of three to four days. Even with enhanced recovery protocols, patients are rarely discharged before 72 hours. The 18-hour discharge at Max Hospital is a testament to the transformative power of robotic surgery.

"Knee replacement surgery typically requires an in-hospital stay of three to four days. Even under enhanced recovery protocols, patients are rarely discharged before 72 hours," Dr. Bhattacharjee explained. "What makes this case remarkable is that our patient was admitted in the evening, operated on the next morning, and back home by the following morning a mere 18 hours after surgery."

The Role of Surgical Expertise

While the technology is advanced, the surgical team's expertise is equally crucial. Dr. Bhattacharjee emphasized that while robotics can be purchased, surgical skill cannot. Max Hospital has developed protocols where 18-24-hour discharges are not exceptions but standard practice.

"Robotics can be purchased, but surgical skill cannot," Dr. Bhattacharjee stated. "At Max Saket, we have developed protocols where 18–24-hour discharges are not exceptions but standard practice. The model of short-stay, single-visit robotic knee surgeries reduces hospital-acquired infections, boosts mental well-being, and speeds recovery."

Future Prospects and Training

Looking ahead, the surgeon foresees wider adoption of robotic and AI-assisted techniques across Indian hospitals. "We are at the start of a new era. Within five years, shorter hospital stays and faster recoveries will become common as technology spreads and more surgeons undergo training," Dr. Bhattacharjee noted.

However, he cautioned that robotic platforms demand extensive training. "Robots don't make mistakes humans do. The challenge is ensuring surgeons master the learning curve. At Max, we are actively training doctors to make these technologies safer and more widely accessible."

Accessibility and Affordability

India's ageing population faces rising cases of osteoarthritis, raising concerns over the financial feasibility of advanced robotic procedures for middle-class families. Dr. Bhattacharjee addressed this by highlighting the overall cost savings.

"Patients recover faster, need less physiotherapy, and return to work sooner. The savings in rehabilitation and reduced hospital stays offset the upfront cost. In the long run, robotic knee replacement is more economical than many realize," he argued.

Continuous Care and Support

For Dr. Bhattacharjee, the focus is not on setting records but on ensuring sustainable recovery. "Early discharge reduces risks of hospital-acquired infections, which is especially relevant in the post-COVID era. But we don't leave patients unattended. We maintain WhatsApp groups, offer free follow-ups, and provide video consultations to ensure continued care."

The hospital's approach reflects over a decade of experience with early recovery protocols. With ongoing support systems in place, patients reportedly heal faster at home than in hospital wards.

A Glimpse of the Future

This 18-hour recovery is more than a statistical milestone — it signals a paradigm shift in how India approaches joint replacement. If such models become mainstream, the country could see shorter hospitalizations, fewer complications, and improved patient satisfaction in the years ahead.

"Within the next five to ten years, same-day discharge after knee replacement could be the new standard across India," Dr. Bhattacharjee predicted.

The Bottom Line

The 18-hour discharge at Max Hospital, Saket, is a testament to the potential of robotic technology in revolutionizing orthopaedic care. As more hospitals adopt these advanced techniques and train their surgeons, the future of joint replacement in India looks promising, with faster recoveries, reduced costs, and enhanced patient well-being.