India's First Robotic Nipple Sparing Mastectomy with TiLoop Implant Reconstruction Performed at Apollo Cancer Centre

Chennai: Apollo Cancer Centre (ACC), Bengaluru, successfully conducted India’s first Robotic Nipple Sparing Mastectomy (RNSM) combined with Titanised Polypropylene (TPP) Mesh for breast implant reconstruction.

The surgery, which took place in September 2024, was performed on 37-year-old Latha, who was diagnosed with right breast cancer in April 2024.

Latha’s tumor was 3 cm x 2.5 cm in size, and her lymph nodes in the axilla were enlarged. After undergoing 16 cycles of chemotherapy, Latha's surgical team, led by Dr. Jayanti Thumsi, Lead Robotic Breast Surgeon at Apollo Cancer Centre, performed the RNSM with TiLoop mesh and breast implant reconstruction. She also underwent radiation therapy and is currently on hormone therapy.

Speaking about the success, Dr. Jayanti Thumsi shared, “Robotic nipple-sparing mastectomy with TiLoop implant reconstruction represents the perfect blend of precision technology and innovative reconstructive techniques, providing women with a safer, less invasive reconstruction option. This approach not only ensures effective cancer clearance but also preserves a woman’s femininity, enhancing her quality of life after breast cancer treatment.”

Latha expressed her gratitude, saying, “I am thankful for the treatment I received at Apollo Cancer Centre. The decision to undergo RNSM with TiLoop implant reconstruction was a life-changing one. I’m cancer-free, and my breast has been beautifully reconstructed with perfect symmetry.”

Another patient, 48-year-old Sneha T (name changed), underwent RNSM with TiLoop mesh and implant reconstruction in November 2024. Sneha, diagnosed with mucinous carcinoma of the breast, had no need for chemotherapy or radiation and is currently on hormone therapy.

She shared, “I’m glad I made the right decision to undergo RNSM with implant reconstruction. Initially, I was anxious about losing my breast, but today I am immensely satisfied. Not only am I free from the disease, but my breast has been beautifully reconstructed, and the symmetry has been perfectly maintained.”

Robotic nipple-sparing mastectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that removes breast tissue while preserving the skin envelope, nipple-areola complex, and natural breast contours.

This technique, performed with the da Vinci Surgical System, offers enhanced dexterity, precision, and 3D high-definition imaging for meticulous dissection. The use of small, hidden incisions ensures minimal visible scarring, reduces pain, and promotes faster recovery.

The TiLoop Bra, a titanium-coated polypropylene mesh, further enhances the procedure by providing structural support for breast implant placement, preventing displacement, and promoting seamless tissue integration.

This biocompatible mesh also reduces the risk of complications like capsular contracture and ensures a more natural appearance.

Mr. Dinesh Madhavan, President Group Oncology and International, Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd. (AHEL), emphasized the advancements in technology, saying, “Robotics has revolutionized cancer care. The integration of advanced materials and imaging technologies has enhanced surgical accuracy and accelerated recovery. Procedures like Robotic Nipple Sparing Mastectomy with TiLoop reconstruction not only provide faster recovery but also lead to fewer complications in patients.”

Dr. Manish Mattoo, CEO of Karnataka & Central Region, AHEL, highlighted how this technology addresses cultural concerns, saying, “The introduction of TiLoop mesh is likely to address many concerns that have traditionally deterred Indian women from opting for reconstruction. Its minimally invasive nature and better outcomes make it an attractive option, helping combat cultural stigmas surrounding breast cancer treatment.”

The success of these procedures underscores the continuous evolution of medical technologies and their role in enhancing patient outcomes in breast cancer treatment. With breast cancer rates high in India, particularly among younger women, this innovative approach offers a hopeful future for many.