Dr Riddhi Shah, Obstetrician & Gynaecologist Subspecialty

Dr Riddhi Shah is a skilled Gynaecological Laparoscopy Surgeon and Obstetrician with expertise in high-risk pregnancies and minimally invasive surgery. She holds an MBBS, MS (OBGYN), DNB, and MRCOG (London), with training from KEM Hospital Mumbai and Lister Hospital UK. She specializes in laparoscopic and robotic procedures for complex conditions like endometriosis. With over 2,500 surgeries and 9,000+ safe deliveries, she is known for ethical care, surgical precision, and consistently excellent outcomes across Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and the UK.

In a recent interaction with Snigdha Das, Correspondent at siliconindia Dr Riddhi Shah shared her insights on ‘The Role of Minimally Invasive Techniques in Advancing Modern Gynaecological Care’. 

Modern gynaecology is undergoing a quiet yet powerful transformation one defined by precision, compassion, and technology. Gone are the days when surgery meant long hospital stays, large incisions, and prolonged recovery. Today, minimally invasive techniques like laparoscopy and robotic-assisted procedures are reshaping women’s healthcare by offering faster recovery, better outcomes, and fertility preservation without compromising safety. 

Early Recovery for a Productive Life and Parenthood 

The most important factor that makes minimal access technology indispensable in gynecology today is early recovery. Most of our patients are young women who wish to conceive soon after surgery. In the current era, every single day of lost productive life is a significant loss not just economically but emotionally and socially as well. Our priority is to ensure that patients recover quickly, return comfortably to their routine, and begin planning for pregnancy as early as possible post-surgery. A second key advantage is the minimal damage to healthy tissue. For instance, when operating on patients with endometriosis, our goal is to carefully remove the disease while preserving the unaffected ovarian tissue. Similarly, in fibroid surgeries, we aim to retain the integrity of the uterus. Technologies such as robotic-assisted surgery give us the precision to do just that remove what is problematic while protecting what is essential. 

Modern gynecology isn’t just about treating illness,it’s about restoring life, fertility, and dignity through precision and compassion. Minimally invasive surgery is the bridge between science and hope.

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Safer Outcomes in Complex Surgical Cases 

This level of surgical finesse is especially important when the uterus is closely adhered to other organs like the bladder or bowel. These situations are common in patients with a history of multiple surgeries or severe endometriosis. Minimal access techniques allow us to perform intricate dissections with reduced risk to surrounding organs, significantly improving surgical outcomes. Robotic surgery delivers a level of care that reflects the highest standards in modern medicine. Patients experience less pain, faster recovery, and shorter hospital stays. In many cases, surgery can be performed in the morning and the patient is fit to return home the same evening. They are able to resume work within a couple of days, ensuring minimal disruption to their personal and professional lives. This seamless experience not only improves outcomes but also enhances patient satisfaction. 

Fertility Preservation through Minimal Trauma 

Minimal access surgery also plays a vital role in preserving fertility. With reduced trauma to reproductive organs and better surgical precision, the healing process is quicker and more conducive to future conception. The goal is always to support the patient’s reproductive aspirations while ensuring her safety and comfort. Despite its many benefits, the adoption of minimal access surgery faces significant challenges in India. The first and most critical barrier is cost. Advanced surgical technologies come at a higher price point, which limits accessibility, especially for patients in non-metro areas. The second barrier is the lack of trained professionals. In many tier-2 cities, there are only one or two surgeons who are equipped to offer such surgeries. This shortage is largely due to the long and demanding learning curve associated with robotic and laparoscopic procedures. Training the next generation requires time, mentorship, and a consistent case load, which are not always readily available. 

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One of the strongest advantages of minimal access technology is how it supports a patient-centric model of care. We are now able to offer multiple modalities of surgery based on a patient’s specific case profile and future goals. For example, if a patient is planning pregnancy or is undergoing cancer treatment, we explain all available options, including advanced surgical technologies. In such cases, the benefits far outweigh the cost, and we help the patient make an informed decision aligned with her health and life goals. Minimal access surgery has revolutionized post-operative care through enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols. These surgeries are associated with very little pain, owing to the absence of large incisions. Patients experience minimal gas bloating, which helps them become mobile quickly. There is no need for prolonged catheterization or intravenous medication, as most pain management can be done with oral medication. As a result, patients can be discharged within 24 hours of surgery in a comfortable, stable condition. 

Conclusion 

Minimal access surgery is revolutionizing gynecologic care by providing quicker recovery, retention of fertility, and greater precision in complex cases. Its patient-centric philosophy is changing safety and satisfaction standards. This efficiency dramatically reduces the hospital burden and allows institutions to redesign inpatient care models with shorter stays and faster turnover without compromising on safety or outcomes. More importantly, it offers patients a dignified and empowering healthcare experience something every individual deserves.