Georgetown, Guyana – Tuesday, 26 May 2026 – Guyana has made a significant mark in the field of global medicine through a remarkable series of robotic surgeries, including the longest-distance cardiac telesurgery ever achieved, executed across continents with state-of-the-art robotic technology.
Historic Cardiac Telesurgery
At 6:00 AM on 26 May 2026, the highly esteemed cardiac surgeon Dr Sudhir Srivastava successfully carried out a Coronary Artery Bypass Graft from Guyana on a patient located in India. The procedure utilized the SSI Mantra 3 robotic surgical system and covered an astounding distance of approximately 20,000 kilometres through fibre optic cables, establishing a new world record for the longest-distance telesurgery conducted.
In India, Dr Lalit Malik and Dr Mohit Bhandari provided onsite support, facilitating seamless cooperation between different countries.
Local Robotic General Surgery
Within Guyana, Dr Hemraj Ramcharran, along with Dr Bibi Hussain and Dr Jagnanand Ramnarine, successfully accomplished a robotic inguinal hernia repair. This achievement makes Dr Ramcharran the first surgeon from Guyana, as well as from the English-speaking Caribbean, to perform robotic surgery locally. This team’s success follows specialized training in robotic surgery conducted in India.
Historic Local Cardiac Robotic Surgery
Subsequently, Dr Sudhir Srivastava executed a robotic Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) repair in Guyana. The patient, who had a congenital heart defect characterized by an abnormal opening between the heart’s upper chambers, benefited from this procedure, which is noted for its minimization of invasiveness and high precision.
Significance for Guyana and the Region
This groundbreaking initiative represents a pivotal moment for Guyana’s healthcare sector, introducing robotic techniques and telemedicine at an unmatched scale. It not only exemplifies advanced surgical innovation but also stands as a testament to international collaboration, merging global expertise with local skills to achieve unprecedented results.
By promoting minimally invasive methods and enhancing practical training, this event has bolstered the capabilities of healthcare professionals in Guyana, positioning the country at the leading edge of medical innovation within CARICOM. More than just a pivotal event, it symbolizes Guyana’s expanding influence in digital healthcare transformation and its dedication to shaping the future of surgical practices in the region.
Source: Caricom