Hans News Service Karimnagar

Robotic-assistedprocedures had shown promising results in select cases of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), said Dr Manjunath Bale, Senior Consultant Thoracic Surgeon at Yashoda Hospitals, Hitec City, Hyderabad.

Addressing a press meet at Yashoda Hospital, Karimnagar on Wednesday, he referred to the successful treatment of a 24-year-old woman from the district whose condition improved after conventional therapies yielded limited response.

Dr Bale explained that MDR-TB, a severe form of tuberculosis resistant to first-line drugs, continued to pose a significant public health challenge in India.

While medication remained the primary mode of treatment, surgical intervention had become necessary in certain advanced or unresponsive cases.

He stated that surgery was generally considered when the infection was confined to specific areas of the lungs, when patients failed to respond adequately to drug therapy, or when lung tissue had been extensively damaged. Procedures such as lobectomy and segmentectomy were being performed using robotic technology, ensuring greater precision, minimal invasiveness, and faster recovery. Highlighting the need for a multidisciplinary approach, Dr Bale emphasised the role of coordinated efforts among pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, and microbiologists in effectively managing such complex conditions.

He also urged the public to remain vigilant about tuberculosis symptoms and warned patients against discontinuing medication midway, as it could worsen the condition and lead to drug resistance.

The young woman who recovered, accompanied by her father, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the medical team at Yashoda Hospital for their dedicated care and successful treatment.