Dr. Arvind Kumar Robotic and Thoracic Chest Surgeon

Doctor Overview

• Full Name & Designation: Prof. Dr. Arvind Kumar
• Chairman, Institute of Chest Surgery, Chest Cancer Surgery and Lung Transplantation, Medanta, Gurgaon
• Co-Chairman, Medanta Robotic Institute, Gurgaon
• Specialization(s): Thoracic (Chest) Surgery, Robotic Chest Surgery, Chest Oncosurgery (Cancer Surgery), Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery (VATS & Robotic), Lung Transplantation
• Years of Experience: 40+ years of experience
• Current Hospital/Institution Affiliation: Medanta – The Medicity, Gurgaon

Prof. Dr. Arvind Kumar is a distinguished and highly acclaimed Robotic and Thoracic Surgeon in India. With one of Asia’s most extensive experiences in Robotic Surgery, he is widely regarded as a top expert in the field. Dr. Kumar pioneered Robotic Chest Surgery in India at AIIMS, New Delhi, in 2008. His illustrious career includes 36 years of dedicated service at AIIMS, significantly advancing minimally invasive techniques like VATS and robotic-assisted surgery for various complex chest conditions including cancers (lung, esophagus, thymus), benign diseases, and chest trauma. He leads India’s most comprehensive chest surgery program, offering state-of-the-art Open, VATS, and Robotic procedures, with particular expertise in Robotic Thymectomy for Myasthenia Gravis and Thymoma.

Qualifications & Credentials

Medical Degrees

• MBBS (AIIMS New Delhi, 1981)
• MS General Surgery (AIIMS New Delhi, 1984)

Fellowships & Special Training

• Fellowship of International Union Against Cancer (FUICC), Geneva
• Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), Chicago, USA (2000)
• Fellow of the International College of Surgeons (FICS), USA (2000)
• Fellow of the Indian Association of Gastro-Intestinal Endo-Surgeons (FIAGES) (2011)
• Lung Transplant Fellow, Chest Service, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA (1995)
• ICRETT (Cancer) Fellow, Chest Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre, New York, USA (1997/1999 – Training under Robert J. Ginsberg)
• WHO Fellowships, Advanced Tracheo-bronchial Surgery: Barnes Hospital, University of St. Louis, Missouri & St. Peter’s Hospital, New Jersey, USA (1999)
• WHO Fellowships, Chest Trauma Unit: Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, Australia (2006)
• Robotic Surgery Training, International School of Robotic Surgery, Grosseto, Italy (2007)
• Robotic Surgery Training, European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, Bern, Switzerland (Robotic Chest Surgery, 2008)
• Robotic Surgery Training, I.R.C.A.D., Strasbourg, France (2012)
• Robotic Surgery Training, Na-Homolce Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic (Robotic Vascular Surgery, 2012)
• Robotic Surgery Training, YONSEI University Health System, Seoul, Korea (Robotic Thyroid Surgery, 2012)

Certifications & Accreditations

• Board Certified in General Surgery (MS, MNAMS)
• Specialized training certifications in Thoracic Surgery, VATS, Robotic Surgery, and Lung Transplantation
• Accredited Robotic Console Surgeon

Areas of Expertise

Major Cancer Types Treated

• Lung Cancer
• Esophageal Cancer
• Thymoma & other Thymic Tumours
• Carcinoid Tumours (Thoracic)
• Posterior Mediastinal Tumours
• Tracheal Tumours
• Metastatic Cancers to the Chest
• Chest Trauma Management
• Thoracic Surgery
• Myasthenia Gravis
• Stenosis and Tumours

Sub-specialties

• Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery (VATS and Robotics)
• Thoracic Surgical Oncology
• Robotic Surgery (Multi-specialty including Thoracic, Foregut, Endocrine)
• Lung Transplantation Surgery

Advanced Procedures Performed

• Robotic Surgery for:
  • Lung Cancer (Lobectomy, Segmentectomy)
  • Esophageal Cancer (Esophagectomy)
  • Thymoma / Myasthenia Gravis (Thymectomy)
  • Mediastinal Tumours
  • Aortic Obstruction (Vascular)
  • Adrenal Tumours (Adrenalectomy)
  • Thyroid Gland (Thyroidectomy – Scarless technique)
• Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) – Complex procedures including Lobectomy, Thymectomy, Esophagectomy
• Uniportal VATS
• Complex Airway Surgery (Tracheal/Bronchial Resections)
• Lung Volume Reduction Surgery (LVRS)
• Double Lung Transplantation

Professional Experience of Dr. Arvind Kumar

Current & Past Hospital Affiliations

• Chairman, Institute of Chest Surgery, Chest Cancer Surgery and Lung Transplantation: Medanta – The Medicity, Gurgaon (Present)
• Co-Chairman, Medanta Robotic Institute: Medanta – The Medicity, Gurgaon (Present)
• Chairman, Centre for Chest Surgery & Director, Institute of Robotic Surgery: Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi (2012 – 2020)
• Professor, Department of Surgical Disciplines & Head of Thoracic and Robotic Surgery Unit: All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi (Served for 36 years, ending 2012)
• Founder & Managing Trustee Lung Care Foundation

Academic & Research Roles

• Professor, Surgery and Head of the Thoracic and Robotic Surgery Unit AIIMS, New Delhi (2012)
• Extensive teaching and training of surgeons in Thoracic and Robotic Surgery
• Founder & Managing Trustee, Lung Care Foundation (Focus on Awareness, Research, Healthcare)
• Speaker at national and international conferences

Key Achievements & Contributions

• Performed over 15,000 Thoracic (Chest) Surgeries, including over 8,000 via Minimally Invasive (VATS/Robotic) methods.
• Pioneered Robotic Chest Surgery in India (First Robotic Thymectomy for Myasthenia Gravis and Thymoma, AIIMS 2008).
• Introduced Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) techniques at AIIMS, performing the first VATS thymectomy in India (2000).
• Leads India’s largest and most comprehensive Chest Surgery program.
• Holds one of Asia’s largest experiences in Robotic Thymectomy with exceptional success rates.
• Instrumental in getting Thoracic Surgery recognized as a stand-alone Super-Specialty by the National Board (2014).
• Established the Lung Care Foundation to combat lung diseases and air pollution effects.
• Prof. Arvind Kumar is the Pioneer in Robotic and Chest Surgery who has numerous firsts to his credits in this field in India/ Asia.
• First Robotic Vascular Surgery in Asia for Athe sclerotic aortic obstruction, at SGRH, New Delhi in April, 2012.
• First Robotic Esophagectomy in North India for esophageal(food-pipe) cancer at SGRH, New Delhi in May, 2012.
• First Robotic Thyroidectomy i.e. scarlesss surgery for the removal of Thyroid gland, in North India for Goiter at SGRH, New Delhi in May, 2013.
• Robotic Lobectomy for Lung cancer at SGRH, New Delhi in June, 2012.

Awards & Recognitions of Dr. Arvind Kumar

National & International Awards

• Dr. B.C. Roy National Award By the Government of India (“Eminent Medical Person of the Year”, 2014)
• ASI Betadine Lifetime Achievement Award Association of Surgeons of India (2019)
• ASI Social Services Award Association of Surgeons of India (2019)
• Khandelwal Junior Oncology Award for Scientific Excellence (For paper on esophageal cancer, 1984)
• Raj Nanda Fellowship, Raj Nanda Pulmonary Disease Research Trust & British Thoracic Society (1999)
• WHO Fellowships (USA 1999, Australia 2006)
• ICRETT Fellowship, International Union Against Cancer (UICC), Geneva (1997/1999)
• Awarded Dr. PK Sen Memorial Oration (ASI, 2013)
• Awarded Dr. N Mohan Das Memorial Oration (ASI)
• Awarded Dr. Das Mohapatra Oration (ASI)
• Awarded Dr. A.K. Sen Sarma Endowment Lecture (ASI, 1992)
• Awarded Presidential Oration (ASI, 2019)
• Sir Hiralal Gold Medal Nominee (“Best Postgraduate”, AIIMS, 1984)
• Received Dr. V. Ramalingaswamy Prize (“Best Undergraduate”, AIIMS, 1980)

Recognitions & Honors

• “Fakhr-e-Hind” (Pride of Nation) Award (2006)
• National President, The Association of Surgeons of India (ASI) (2019)
• National Honorary Secretary, The Association of Surgeons of India (ASI) (2009)
• Recognized as a Pioneer in VATS and Robotic Surgery in India.
• Key figure in establishing Thoracic Surgery as a recognized super-specialty in India.
• Founder & Managing Trustee, Lung Care Foundation.

Membership

• American College of Surgeons (ACS)
• Association of Surgeons of India (ASI – Past President & Hon. Secretary)
• Association of UICC fellows (Geneva)
• Clinical Robotic Surgery Association (CRSA)
• Delhi State Chapter, Association of Surgeons of India
• Indian Association of Gastro-Intestinal Endo-Surgeons (IAGES)
• Indian Association of Surgical Gastro-enterology (IASG)
• Indian Association of Surgical Oncology (IASO)
• Indian Society of Oncology (ISO)
• International College of Surgeons (ICS)

Patient Success Stories & Testimonials

Notable Cases Handled

• Pioneering the First Double Lung Transplantation in North India at Medanta (November 2022).
• Successfully managing complex trauma cases like complete Tracheal Transection with multiple associated fractures (of 21-year old boy).
• Performing unique combined operations like simultaneous lung removal and heart bypass surgery for complex conditions (saved 50-year old chronic smoker).
• Handling numerous complex cancer resections using minimally invasive robotic and VATS techniques.
• Extensive successful series of Robotic Thymectomies for Myasthenia Gravis, leading to significant patient improvement.

Patient Testimonials 

I highly recommend Dr. Kumar to anyone needing thoracic surgery.” — Sameer

“Finding out I had lung cancer was terrifying. My family and I researched extensively for the best possible care, and Dr. Arvind Kumar’s name came up repeatedly, especially for robotic surgery. From our first consultation at Medanta, Dr. Kumar exuded confidence and clarity. He explained everything and the surgery itself went incredibly smoothly. The recovery was much faster and less painful than I anticipated, thanks to the minimally invasive approach. Dr. Kumar’s skill is undeniable. Medanta’s facilities are world-class, and combined with Dr. Kumar’s expertise, I felt I was in the safest hands possible. I am now cancer-free and deeply grateful.” — Rajesh S.

“My pulmonologist referred me to Dr. Arvind Kumar at Medanta for my cancer treatment. Dr. Kumar leads an excellent team. The combination of his Dr. Arvind Kumar’s expertise, the advanced technology at Medanta, and the supportive staff made a stressful situation manageable. I’m recovering well and feel immense gratitude.” — Priyanshi

“Needed a thoracic procedure and was referred to Dr. Arvind Kumar at Medanta. Found him to be highly professional, skilled, and reassuring. He explained the VATS procedure clearly. Surgery was successful, recovery was quick. Medanta’s infrastructure supports his expertise well. Highly recommended.” — R. Verma

Treatment Approach & Philosophy

Patient-Centred Care:

• Emphasizes a patient-first approach, tailoring treatment plans to individual needs and conditions.
• Focuses on providing clear communication and educating patients about their diagnosis and surgical options (Open, VATS, Robotic).
• Prioritizes achieving the best possible oncological and functional outcomes with minimal morbidity.
• Strong belief in multi-disciplinary care, collaborating closely with pulmonologists, oncologists, radiologists, and intensivists.

Technology & Innovation:

• A firm believer in leveraging cutting-edge technology like Robotics and advanced VATS to improve patient outcomes.
• Continuously adopting and refining the latest minimally invasive surgical techniques.
• Commitment to evidence-based practice, utilizing technology where it offers clear advantages in safety, precision, and recovery.

Consultation Fees & Treatment Costs

The consultation fee of Dr. Arvind Kumar is around Rs. 2500 whereas overall treatment costs vary significantly based on the specific procedure (Open, VATS, Robotic), complexity of the case, duration of hospital stay, room type, and necessary investigations or post-operative care. Contact Cancer Rounds to get detailed cost estimates.

International Patient Assistance

• Language Support: Interpretation services for major international languages are generally available.
• Visa & Travel Assistance: Dedicated international patient coordinators at Cancer Rounds assist with visa invitation letters, travel arrangements, airport transfers, and accommodation booking.
• Pre-treatment Virtual Consultations: Facilities for online/video consultations are often available for international patients for initial assessment and treatment planning before travel.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. 1 What conditions does Prof. (Dr.) Arvind Kumar specialize in treating?

He specializes in surgical treatment of diseases of the lungs, esophagus, thymus, trachea, mediastinum, chest wall, and diaphragm, including cancers (like lung cancer, esophageal cancer, thymoma) and benign conditions, using Open, VATS (keyhole), and Robotic surgery techniques. He also leads the Lung Transplant program.

Q. 2 Is Robotic Surgery or VATS suitable for everyone?

Suitability depends on the specific diagnosis, stage of the disease, patient’s overall health, and anatomical factors. Dr. Kumar assesses each case individually to recommend the most appropriate surgical approach.

Q. 3 What is Dr. Kumar’s experience with Robotic Thymectomy for Myasthenia Gravis?

He pioneered Robotic Thymectomy in India and has one of the largest experiences in Asia, with a reported high success rate in managing Myasthenia Gravis symptoms.