Global cancer experts converge at BALCO Medical Centre to demonstrate advanced cancer treatment

20th September 2024

  • Microsoft HoloLens 2 used to provide 3D visualization during complex cancer surgeries – a first in central India.
  • Top oncologists from Tata Memorial Hospital performed live surgical demonstrations, showcasing advanced techniques for pancreatic and gastric cancer treatment.
  • Event sparked interest among surgeons nationwide, with both virtual and in-person participation.

Raipur, September 20, 2024 – BALCO Medical Centre (BMC), one of India’s foremost cancer care facilities, hosted a live surgical demonstration for oncologist surgeons from across the country as part of the Annual BMC Chhattisgarh Cancer Conclave. The event, led by leading oncologists from Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, highlighted the use of Augmented Reality (AR), an advanced technology in cancer care, for performing complex cancer surgeries. The event saw participation from over 120 individuals, creating a platform for sharing insights on cutting-edge oncology practices.

During the conclave, the experts performed live surgical demonstrations showcasing advanced techniques for pancreatic and gastric cancer treatment using Microsoft HoloLens 2, an Augmented Reality (AR) headset. This technology converts traditional 2D imaging, such as CT and MRI scans, into interactive 3D holograms, offering 3D operative planning in cancer surgeries. It also enhances surgeons’ understanding of the tumour and surrounding anatomy, allowing them to better evaluate tumour characteristics and vascular variations. The experts emphasized its importance in improving preoperative planning and surgical accuracy, which play an essential role in cancer care.

“This innovative approach revolutionizes the way we perform complex surgeries such as pancreatic cancer resections,” said Dr. Shailesh V. Shrikhande, Head of Cancer Surgery and Deputy Director of Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai. He demonstrated Pancreato-duodenectomy or Whipple procedure widely regarded as perhaps the most complex of operations. He further added, “The complexity of pancreatic surgery, given the intricate anatomy, makes HoloLens technology crucial for minimizing complications and improving patient outcomes. With the use of 3D holographic imaging, we can teach young pancreatic surgeons, prepare them better for the difficult and steep learning curve and this will ultimately bring advanced cancer care closer to patients, reducing the need for them to travel long distances for treatment.”

Professor Manish Bhandare, Gastrointestinal and Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgeon, Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, operated on a gastric cancer case and highlighted the importance of live surgical demonstrations: “These sessions create a platform for surgeons across the country to learn cutting-edge developments in cancer management. Sharing real-time insights improves our collective ability to deliver advanced care to patients.”

Dr. Shravan Nadkarni, Consultant Surgical Oncologist at BALCO Medical Centre, emphasized the potential of augmented reality in transforming surgical outcomes in India. “This is one of the first instances of HoloLens 2 being used in oncological surgery in this part of the world. It allows us to evaluate tumour margins and vascular structures with extraordinary accuracy, leading to safer surgeries and better patient outcomes.”

“The technology has been extensively used in the West and is now beginning to make its mark in India. By integrating augmented reality with surgical techniques, surgeons can minimize complications and enhance surgical precision, promising better healthcare for patients in regions like Chhattisgarh”, commented Dr. Mou Roy, Director, Surgical and Clinical Oncology at BALCO Medical Centre.

Dr. Bhawna Sirohi, the Medical Director of BALCO Medical Centre, expressed her enthusiasm at the successful launch of the conclave: “Having such a group of surgeons and oncologists of international stature visit BMC is a significant step toward improving cancer care in this region. We are committed to delivering affordable, high-quality treatment options for the population, and this event is a milestone in that journey.”

About the BMC Chhattisgarh Cancer Conclave:

The BMC Chhattisgarh Cancer Conclave is an annual flagship conclave of the BALCO Medical Centre situated in Naya Raipur, Chhattisgarh. The event brings together leading oncologists, researchers, and healthcare professionals to discuss the latest advancements in cancer diagnosis, treatment, and care. It features expert panels, live surgical demonstrations, and specialized workshops to address emerging trends and challenges in oncology.

About BALCO Medical Centre:

BALCO Medical Centre (BMC), a 170-bed state-of-the-art tertiary care Oncology facility in Naya Raipur, is the first flagship initiative of Vedanta Medical Research Foundation (VMRF). VMRF, a non-profit organization, is an initiative of Vedanta Resources and Bharat Aluminium Company Ltd. (BALCO) to contribute towards prevention of cancer and its related illnesses. Currently, it is fast emerging as a national leader in India’s oncology space including medical, surgical, radiation, haematological, BMT and palliative care. Though the hospital is in Naya Raipur, Chhattisgarh, it is a rapidly becoming a centre of choice for cancer treatment for people from Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, and even from some parts of Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. For more information, visit www.balcomedicalcentre.com

For further information, please contact:

Mr Vipendra Singh Rajput

Public Relations Officer

BALCO Medical Centre

+91 7000675928

About Vedanta Limited:

Vedanta Limited, a subsidiary of Vedanta Resources Limited, is one of the world’s leading Oil & Gas and Metals company with significant operations in Oil & Gas, Zinc, Lead, Silver, Copper, Iron Ore, Steel, and Aluminium & Power across India, South Africa and Namibia. For two decades, Vedanta has been contributing significantly to nation building. Governance and sustainable development are at the core of Vedanta's strategy, with a strong focus on health, safety, and environment. Vedanta has put in place a comprehensive framework to be the ESG leader in the natural resources sector. Vedanta is committed to reducing carbon emissions to zero by 2050 or sooner and has pledged $5 billion over the next 10 years to accelerate the transition to net zero operations. Giving back is in the DNA of Vedanta, which is focused on enhancing the lives of local communities. The company’s flagship social impact program, Nand Ghars, have been set up as model anganwadis focused on eradicating child malnutrition, providing education, healthcare, and empowering women with skill development. Under the aegis of the Anil Agarwal Foundation, the umbrella entity for Vedanta’s social initiatives, the Vedanta group has pledged Rs 5000 crore over the next five years on social impact programmes with a thrust on nutrition, women & child development, healthcare, animal welfare, and grass-root level sports. Vedanta and the group companies have been featured in Dow Jones Sustainability Index, and was conferred Frost & Sullivan Sustainability Awards 2020, Golden Peacock Award for excellence in Corporate Governance 2022 and certified as a Great Place to Work 2022. Vedanta Limited is listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange.

For more information, please visit www.vedantalimited.com

About Vedanta Aluminium Business:

Vedanta Aluminium, a business of Vedanta Limited, is India’s largest producer of aluminium, manufacturing more than half of India’s aluminium i.e., 2.37 million tonnes in FY24. It is a leader in value-added aluminium products that find critical applications in core industries. Vedanta Aluminium ranks 1st in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2023 world rankings for the aluminium industry, a reflection of its leading sustainable development practices. With its world-class aluminium smelters, alumina refinery and power plants in India, the company fulfils its mission of spurring emerging applications of aluminium as the ‘Metal of the Future’ for a greener tomorrow.

For more information, please log on to www.vedantaaluminium.com

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