Dr Riddhi Shah: Dedicated to Improving Women's Quality of Life through Advanced Endometriosis Surgery
Dr Riddhi Shah
Obstetrician & Gynaecologist Subspecialty- Minimal Access, Robotic Surgery, Endometriosis
Dr Riddhi Shah is a renowned gynaecologist and laparoscopic surgeon whose extensive journey from India to the UK and back has been instrumental in refining her expertise in minimally invasive gynaecological surgeries. She completed her MBBS and a Master’s in Gynaecology at Mumbai’s KEM Hospital, followed by an assistant professor role. Adding to her academic accomplishments, she earned her Diplomate of National Board (DNB) degree and MRCOG from the UK’s Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, allowing her to practice in over 56 countries. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she relocated to the UK, where her specialization in advanced laparoscopic and robotic techniques deepened through her work at Lister Hospital. Focused on treating complex gynecological conditions like endometriosis, she has become a passionate advocate of minimally invasive procedures, now leading innovations in surgical care at Zydus Hospital in Ahmedabad, India.
Specialization in Laparoscopic & Robotic Gynaecology
Dr Riddhi’s specialization in laparoscopic and robotic gynaecology is deeply rooted in a personal experience from her youth when she saw the profound impact on quality of life on a friend with endometriosis. Inspired by the ability of minimally invasive method to alleviate significant pain, she committed herself to mastering the technique. “Endometriosis is challenging, both physically and emotionally, for patients. Robotic surgery offers a precise, less invasive approach to managing this
condition, helping women lead pain-free lives”, she explains. Her focus on robotic endometriosis surgery leverages technological advancements to enhance recovery, reduce surgical risk, and deliver optimal outcomes.
Her time in the UK exposed her to an evolved standard of patient care in obstetrics and gynaecology, where minimal intervention and natural birthing methods are prioritized. She emphasizes that these insights were instrumental in shaping her holistic approach to care. Her fascination with robotic surgery grew during her tenure there, as she witnessed the intricate maneuverability it offered in complex cases, which has now become a cornerstone of her practice.
Furthermore, Dr Riddhi’s surgical expertise spans a range of procedures, focusing primarily on robotic and laparoscopic interventions for complex gynaecological conditions. Specializing in endometriosis surgery, or ‘chocolate cyst’ procedures, she utilizes intricate techniques to carefully separate the bowel, bladder, uterus, and ovaries with minimal damage, leading to significant pain relief and improved quality of life for her patients. She also performs laparoscopic and robotic myomectomies, preserving the uterus as part of her ‘Save the Uterus’ campaign, and offers sling surgeries for prolapsed uterus cases, as well as fertility-enhancing laparoscopic procedures.
Overcoming Challenges in Laparoscopic Surgery
Perfecting laparoscopic surgery brings significant challenges, including patient and doctor perceptions about its capabilities. Dr Riddhi notes that many underestimate the ability to remove even large masses laparoscopically, a misconception she actively works to correct. Access to advanced technology and well-trained teams is often limited to tertiary hospitals, restricting availability for some patients. She emphasizes that experienced teams, including skilled anesthetists and adept surgical assistants, are essential for successful outcomes, reducing complications and operating times. A notable advancement in her practice is the use of Rubina function, or ‘firefly mode’, which uses ICG dye to enhance tissue visibility, improving precision and minimizing risks during complex surgeries.
Dr Riddhi’s journey to becoming a leading laparoscopic surgeon is focused on mastering foundational skills and constant practice. She emphasizes the importance of understanding anatomy through open surgeries, as this is vital for successful laparoscopic procedures. She advises budding surgeons to use a pelvitrainer, a home based laparoscopic machine, to enhance dexterity before operating on patients. She also encourages stepping outside comfort zones and learning in diverse settings to stay current with global advancements in surgical techniques.
Shaping the Future of Robotic Gynaecology
Dr Riddhi is committed to advancing her field by training the next generation of surgeons. She believes that by sharing her expertise, she can empower young doctors to integrate robotic and laparoscopic techniques into their practices. “The goal is to change perceptions among both doctors and patients about the capabilities of minimally invasive surgeries,” she says. She is especially passionate about raising awareness among doctors that many complex cases traditionally handled with open surgeries can now be managed robotically with superior results.
Dr Riddhi’s future vision includes broader education and accessibility in advanced surgical methods, with the hope that more women can benefit from minimally invasive solutions for conditions like endometriosis and prolapse. Through her dedication, she exemplifies the transformative potential of combining compassionate care with technological innovation in gynaecology, paving the way for a new era in women’s health.
In conclusion, Dr Riddhi Shah’s dedication to advancing minimally invasive gynaecological surgery highlights her commitment to patient-centered care, innovation, and mentorship, inspiring future surgeons to pursue excellence and transformative impact on women’s health.
Her time in the UK exposed her to an evolved standard of patient care in obstetrics and gynaecology, where minimal intervention and natural birthing methods are prioritized. She emphasizes that these insights were instrumental in shaping her holistic approach to care. Her fascination with robotic surgery grew during her tenure there, as she witnessed the intricate maneuverability it offered in complex cases, which has now become a cornerstone of her practice.
Furthermore, Dr Riddhi’s surgical expertise spans a range of procedures, focusing primarily on robotic and laparoscopic interventions for complex gynaecological conditions. Specializing in endometriosis surgery, or ‘chocolate cyst’ procedures, she utilizes intricate techniques to carefully separate the bowel, bladder, uterus, and ovaries with minimal damage, leading to significant pain relief and improved quality of life for her patients. She also performs laparoscopic and robotic myomectomies, preserving the uterus as part of her ‘Save the Uterus’ campaign, and offers sling surgeries for prolapsed uterus cases, as well as fertility-enhancing laparoscopic procedures.
Overcoming Challenges in Laparoscopic Surgery
Perfecting laparoscopic surgery brings significant challenges, including patient and doctor perceptions about its capabilities. Dr Riddhi notes that many underestimate the ability to remove even large masses laparoscopically, a misconception she actively works to correct. Access to advanced technology and well-trained teams is often limited to tertiary hospitals, restricting availability for some patients. She emphasizes that experienced teams, including skilled anesthetists and adept surgical assistants, are essential for successful outcomes, reducing complications and operating times. A notable advancement in her practice is the use of Rubina function, or ‘firefly mode’, which uses ICG dye to enhance tissue visibility, improving precision and minimizing risks during complex surgeries.
Dr Riddhi’s journey to becoming a leading laparoscopic surgeon is focused on mastering foundational skills and constant practice. She emphasizes the importance of understanding anatomy through open surgeries, as this is vital for successful laparoscopic procedures. She advises budding surgeons to use a pelvitrainer, a home based laparoscopic machine, to enhance dexterity before operating on patients. She also encourages stepping outside comfort zones and learning in diverse settings to stay current with global advancements in surgical techniques.
Shaping the Future of Robotic Gynaecology
Dr Riddhi is committed to advancing her field by training the next generation of surgeons. She believes that by sharing her expertise, she can empower young doctors to integrate robotic and laparoscopic techniques into their practices. “The goal is to change perceptions among both doctors and patients about the capabilities of minimally invasive surgeries,” she says. She is especially passionate about raising awareness among doctors that many complex cases traditionally handled with open surgeries can now be managed robotically with superior results.
Dr Riddhi’s future vision includes broader education and accessibility in advanced surgical methods, with the hope that more women can benefit from minimally invasive solutions for conditions like endometriosis and prolapse. Through her dedication, she exemplifies the transformative potential of combining compassionate care with technological innovation in gynaecology, paving the way for a new era in women’s health.
In conclusion, Dr Riddhi Shah’s dedication to advancing minimally invasive gynaecological surgery highlights her commitment to patient-centered care, innovation, and mentorship, inspiring future surgeons to pursue excellence and transformative impact on women’s health.
