American Oncology Institute sets global standard in cancer surgery

Dr. Jagdishwar Goud Gajagowni, Senior Consultant & National director – Robotic Oncology Surgery, American Oncology Institute

Metro India News | Hyderabad 

The American Oncology Institute (AOI), Hyderabad has announced a revolutionary advancement in the treatment of esophageal cancer. By integrating cutting edge Indocyanine Green (ICG) fluorescence guided navigation with advanced robotics, the surgical team at AOI is transforming complex cancer resections into high precision, objective procedures. 

The innovation was recently highlighted by a successful robotic esophagectomy performed on a 54-year-old patient who traveled from the United States to Hyderabad for treatment. Diagnosed with a 1.5 cm sized tumor (adenocarcinoma) at the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ), the tumor’s small size and location made it virtually "invisible" to the naked eye during surgery. 

Standard surgical techniques traditionally rely on a surgeon’s anatomical judgment. However, the AOI team, led by Dr. Jagdishwar Goud Gajagowni , Senior Consultant & National director – Robotic Oncology Surgery, has pioneered a Triple ICG Strategy that provides real-time, bright green fluorescent visualization of critical structures.

“By integrating ICG fluorescence with robotic surgery, we are moving from subjective surgery to objective, image guided precision,” said Dr. Jagdishwar Goud Gajagowni. This significantly enhances safety and oncological outcomes. He mentioned that the institute’s triple ICG approach allowed the doctors  to visualize the tumor, assess blood supply, and protect critical structures like the thoracic duct and airway all in real time.