Bengaluru’s Manipal Hospital Celebrates 1,000 Robotic Spine Surgeries with Heartfelt Patient Reunion
“Over a Thousand Spines, Standing Tall” – A Testament to Precision, Hope, and Second Chances
Bengaluru, 16 May 2025 – In a moving celebration of medical triumph and human resilience, Manipal Hospital, Bengaluru, marked a historic milestone—the successful completion of over 1,000 robotic spine surgeries—with an intimate gathering of patients whose lives were transformed by cutting-edge technology and expert care.
Titled “Over a Thousand Spines, Standing Tall,” the event brought together 15 patients from across the globe, each with a story of pain, perseverance, and ultimate recovery. Their journeys, once marred by debilitating spinal conditions, now stand as powerful testaments to the advancements in robotic-assisted surgery and the dedication of the medical team at Manipal.
The Dawn of Precision Spine Care
Addressing the media, Dr. S. Vidyadhara, Chairman and Head of Spine Surgery at Manipal Hospital, underscored the critical need for early detection and awareness, particularly in children. “Robotic technology has revolutionized spine surgery,” he said. “It allows us to diagnose with unmatched accuracy and perform procedures with microscopic precision—minimizing risk, speeding recovery, and restoring lives.”
Among the patients who shared their experiences was Dr. Gururaja C S, an associate professor at the Central University of Kashmir, whose ordeal began as a mild ache during a winter visit to his hometown, Bengaluru, in late 2024. What seemed like routine discomfort soon spiraled into excruciating pain, leaving him bedridden for nearly two months.
A Life Reclaimed
Multiple consultations and MRI scans revealed a severe lumbar disc prolapse at L5-S1, compressing his nerve roots and stripping him of mobility. Simple movements became agonizing; sleep, a distant memory. Hope arrived when a relative recommended Dr. Vidyadhara.
On January 16, 2025, Dr. Gururaja underwent a robot-assisted spine surgery—a meticulously planned procedure involving pedicle screw fixation, neural decompression, and spinal fusion. “The robotic system enabled us to place each screw with pinpoint accuracy, relieving nerve pressure while ensuring spinal stability,” explained Dr. Vidyadhara.
The results were nothing short of miraculous. Within 24 hours, Dr. Gururaja was discharged. Soon after, he began physiotherapy, reclaiming the life he had lost. “From the moment we met Dr. Vidyadhara, we knew I was in the right hands,” he shared, emotion threading his voice. “Two months of pain, helplessness—gone. Today, I feel like myself again.”
Now back to his routine, Dr. Gururaja walks taller, both in body and spirit. His story, like those of the other patients present, is a reminder that behind every statistic lies a human life renewed.
More Than a Number—A Legacy of Healing
The event was more than a celebration of a surgical milestone; it was a tribute to the real, tangible impact of medical innovation. As patients embraced their surgeons, laughter and tears flowed freely—proof that technology, when paired with compassion, doesn’t just heal spines.
It lifts lives.
Key Quotes
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Dr. S. Vidyadhara, Chairman & Head of Spine Surgery, Manipal Hospital:
“Reaching 1,000 robotic spine surgeries is not just a number—it’s a testament to how far precision medicine has come. With robotic assistance, we’re not just operating; we’re restoring lives with unmatched accuracy and safety.” -
On Dr. Gururaja’s Case:
“When technology and expertise align, miracles happen. Dr. Gururaja’s journey—from being bedridden to regaining full mobility—is why we do what we do.”3. -
Dr. Gururaja C S, Associate Professor & Patient:
“I had lost hope. Two months of pain made me forget what it felt like to stand tall. Today, I’m living proof that advanced care can give you a second chance at life.
