Laparoscopic surgery is transforming healthcare in India by enabling faster recovery, minimal scarring, and reduced pain. With rising demand for minimally invasive procedures, surgeons are embracing advanced training and technology. This evolution marks a shift toward precision and patient centric care, positioning India as a growing hub for surgical innovation.

Dr Abhijit Whatkar, a renowned name in the field of laparoscopic surgery, is driven by a passion for surgical excellence. He began his medical journey by completing his Diploma of National Board in General Surgery from Wanless Mission Hospital, a USAID-supported institution in the Miraj and Sangli region. During his post-graduation, he developed a keen interest in minimally invasive surgeries, inspired by the shift from large incisions to precision techniques. He has earned multiple fellowships, including FIAGES, FICS, FMAS, and DMAS. Since 2014- 15, he has performed over 10,000 minimally invasive surgeries.

Expanding his expertise in minimally invasive techniques, Dr Abhijit Whatkar now receives referrals from surrounding surgeons for complex gallbladder cases. He prefers performing these procedures laparo -scopically using the advanced ICG dye technique. Dr Abhijit Whatkar holds certifications from the Da Vinci Robot and CMR, and he is actively working with the SSI Mantra system. Proficient in three robotic surgery consoles, he performs procedures for complicated hernias involving domain loss. His specialties include recurrent hernias, gallbladder malignancies, gallbladder surgeries, and small intestinal surgeries.

New Era of Patient-Centric Surgery

Dr Abhijit Whatkar’s motto for successful surgery life is ‘Never say no to a case. Learn, unlearn, relearn’. Continuing his journey in minimally invasive surgery, Dr Abhijit Whatkar faced the clinical challenge of overcoming patient misconceptions. Many believed that laparoscopic surgeries had a higher risk of recurrence, but he educates them otherwise. Through focused counselling, he emphasizes the improved post-operative and overall recovery offered by both laparoscopic and robotic procedures. Strengthening patient awareness and trust, Dr Abhijit Whatkar adopts an evidence-based approach by sharing laparoscopic surgery videos with prior patient consent and personalized catalogs outlining post-operative care. This practical method helps patients understand the pros and cons of laparoscopy versus open surgery. Most patients are convinced, with the main challenge remaining timely medical insurance approval.

Building on his commitment to patient safety and excellence, Dr Abhijit Whatkar ensures smooth surgical outcomes through thorough pre-operative assessments and precise team coordination. Every team member from nurses and scrub nurses to OT assistants is clearly briefed on the procedure, required

instruments, and backup plans. The anesthesiologist highlights potential intraoperative risks and suggests necessary adjustments, such as changing the patient’s position or modifying the pace. In head-down procedures, challenges like breathing issues or high blood pressure are managed carefully. Dr Abhijit Whatkar firmly believes surgery is a result of teamwork and planning.

Abhijit Whatkar blends surgical precision with patient-centric innovation, making advanced minimally invasive care accessible to all

Driving the Future of Minimally Invasive Surgery

Expanding his role beyond clinical practice, Dr Abhijit Whatkar’s association as an executive member of PSS has enabled him to contribute to the academic side of surgery. It has helped him bring surgeons together on a common platform and mentor young professionals focusing on teaching not just when to operate, but more importantly, when not to. His global affiliations with the World Laparoscopy Institute and research roles in Dubai, Egypt, and Greece have broadened his expertise. He is currently collaborating with several companies to develop a dual purpose surgical mesh.

Continuing his vision for the future of surgery, Dr Abhijit Whatkar says, “The rise of laparoscopic and robotic surgery stems from our innate drive to ask, ‘What’s next?’ Just as gaming technology evolves from basic consoles to advanced systems surgery has progressed from open procedures to laparoscopy and now robotic techniques. This shift benefits young surgeons, even though some senior practitioners resist change. I’m especially excited about emerging endoscopic nanobot technologies. Although robotic surgery in India faces high costs, I believe affordable solutions will soon make it accessible, even in rural areas”.

Reflecting on a remarkable case, Dr Abhijit Whatkar shares his experience with a seemingly routine gallbladder surgery. Pre-operative MRCP reports indicated a single stone at the bladder neck, confirmed by two radiologists. However, during laparoscopy using ICG dye and an intraoperative cholangiogram, he discovered the stone lodged at the junction of the cystic duct and the common bile duct. Demonstrating his surgical expertise, Dr Abhijit Whatkar performed a successful CBD exploration and removed a four-centimeter stone, turning a standard procedure into a memorable and complex surgical achievement. Among his proudest achievements, Dr Abhijit Whatkar recalls clearing a fellowship exam in minimally invasive surgery during his post-DNB phase. Despite having no time to prepare due to surgical duties, he secured three gold medals for ranking first in theoryfirst overall across all specialties, and first in surgery making it a cherished accomplishment.

Looking Ahead

Building on the rapid advancements in surgical technology, Dr Abhijit Whatkar envisions becoming a full-fledged robotic surgeon who delivers advanced, patient-focused care. With robotic institutes expanding each year, he believes that in the next five years, minimally invasive surgeries will become widely accessible even in rural areas despite current challenges related to cost-effectiveness and emerging instru -mentation.

Dr Abhijit Whatkar concludes, “Patients, especially from the IT sector, often choose surgeons based on social media likes and ratings, but this approach is misguided. The decision to select a particular surgeon should not be based on social media platforms. Instead, it should be made through one-to-one contact and conversation, understanding the pros and cons, the disease, and all aspects to ensure the patient makes an informed choice”.

Awards & Recognition:

•Gold Medalist in Minimally Invasive Surgery Fellowship(Theory, Over all, Surgery)
•29th surgeon worldwide to treat a rare intestinal cancer
•Winner of 3 Gold Medals during Post-Graduate Training
•Multiple international and national publications in Surgery journals.
•Multiple talks as Faculty in Esteemed conferences like MASICON, ASICON, TRUAMCON to name few
•Youngest DNB examiner and PG guide.
•2nd Surgeon in India to successfully treat and cure a rare EXTRA PULMONARY INVOLVEMENT OF MYOFIBROBLASTIC TUMOUR PRESNETING AS JEJUNAL MASS