Apollo specialists discuss advanced cancer care, robotic surgery & liver transplant in NE
Shillong, May 23: Apollo Multispeciality Hospitals, Kolkata, organised awareness-focused medical discussions in Guwahati highlighting advancements in head and neck cancer treatment, robotic surgery, gastrointestinal oncology, and liver transplantation. The sessions were led by Dr Rajeev Sharan, Senior Consultant in Onco Surgery (head and neck surgery), Apollo Multispeciality Hospitals, Kolkata, and Dr Ramdip Ray, head of liver transplant and senior consultant, gastrointestinal surgery, Apollo Multispeciality Hospitals, Kolkata, who interacted with the media and shared insights on modern treatment approaches and specialised surgical care available for patients across Eastern and Northeastern India.
The media interaction was held at Apollo Trinity Medical Centre, Goralane, Lower Nongrim Hills.here on Sunday( May 23).
During the discussions, Dr Sharan highlighted that head and neck cancer continues to remain one of the most common cancers in India, particularly across the Northeast region. He explained that cancers affecting the oral cavity, tongue, throat, voice box, and surrounding structures are witnessing rising incidence, with many patients often seeking medical attention at advanced stages due to delayed diagnosis and lack of awareness.
The specialists emphasised that tobacco consumption in all forms including smoking, chewing tobacco, gutkha, and betel nut (supari), along with alcohol consumption, remains one of the leading causes of Head and Neck Cancer. Dr Sharan also pointed out the increasing incidence of Human Papillomavirus (HPV)-related throat cancers among younger individuals and stressed the importance of recognising early symptoms such as non-healing mouth ulcers, persistent throat pain, voice changes, difficulty swallowing, unexplained neck swelling, and bleeding from the mouth.
Speaking about advancements in cancer treatment, the doctors shared how robotic surgery and minimally invasive procedures are transforming patient care by offering greater precision, reduced pain, minimal blood loss, lower risk of infection, faster recovery, shorter hospital stays, and smaller scars compared to conventional open surgeries.
In a statement, the Apollo Multispeciality Hospitals, Kolkata, said it continues to strengthen its position as a leading centre for advanced head and neck cancer care with the routine availability of comprehensive modern treatment modalities, including Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS) for pharyngeal and oropharyngeal cancers, robotic scarless thyroid and neck surgery, complex ablative head and neck cancer surgery, and free microvascular flap reconstruction for restoration of speech, swallowing, function, and appearance. The specialists also highlighted the hospital’s multidisciplinary approach integrating surgical oncology, radiation oncology, medical oncology, pathology, radiology, rehabilitation, nutrition support, and supportive care to improve both survival outcomes and quality of life for patients across Eastern and Northeastern India.
Addressing liver disease and transplantation, Dr Ramdip Ray stated that India is currently among the leading countries globally for liver transplantation, though Eastern and Northeastern India have traditionally seen slower growth in access to such advanced procedures. He shared that Apollo Hospitals, Kolkata, has been playing a significant role in strengthening comprehensive liver transplant services in the region and remains one of the few centres regularly performing liver transplantation in Eastern India.
Dr Ray explained that liver transplantation remains the only curative treatment for patients suffering from liver cirrhosis and end-stage liver disease, with modern transplant programmes now achieving success rates exceeding 90 per cent. He further highlighted that transplantation can be performed through living donor liver transplant, where a family member donates a portion of the liver that naturally regenerates within weeks, or through cadaveric organ donation following brain stem death. The doctors also stressed the importance of organ donation awareness and encouraging people to pledge organs to help save lives.
“Prevention and early diagnosis remain the strongest tools in reducing the burden of Head and Neck Cancer and advanced liver disease. Awareness about tobacco cessation, HPV vaccination, regular screening among high-risk individuals, and timely medical intervention can significantly improve treatment outcomes and save lives,” said Dr Sharan.
Dr Ray added, “The expertise developed through liver transplantation has significantly advanced complex gastrointestinal and hepatopancreatobiliary cancer surgeries in Eastern India, enabling patients to access highly specialised treatment closer to home.”
The discussions aimed to create greater awareness about modern cancer care, robotic-assisted surgery, liver transplantation, organ donation, and the importance of timely medical intervention. Through advanced treatment protocols, cutting-edge medical technology, and a multidisciplinary approach, Apollo Multispeciality Hospitals, Kolkata, continues to provide comprehensive care and improved clinical outcomes for patients dealing with complex oncological and liver-related conditions across Eastern and Northeastern India.
