Fortis Hiranandani Hospital, Vashi – India
About Dr. Donald John Babu
Dr. Donald John Babu is a distinguished Surgical Oncologist, recognised as one of the best cancer surgeons in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. With over 17 years of experience, his foundation in oncology was built at the prestigious Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital, Mumbai, where he completed his MCh in Surgical Oncology. Dr. Donald is a pioneer in advanced surgical techniques, holding a European Board certification (FEBS) and numerous fellowships in robotic and minimal access surgery. As the Robotic Surgery Program Director at MGM Hospital, he leads the charge in utilising cutting-edge technology for superior patient outcomes. His practice is defined by a deep commitment to Organ Preservation Surgery, employing robotic, laparoscopic, and laser techniques to fight cancer while preserving quality of life. Renowned for his straightforward communication and exceptional surgical skill, Dr. Donald is a top oncologist in India for patients seeking innovative and compassionate care.
Qualifications & Credentials
Medical Degrees
- MCh (Surgical Oncology): Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital, Mumbai
- MS (General Surgery): Seth G.S.M.C. and K.E.M. Hospital, Mumbai
- MBBS: Govt. Medical College, Miraj
- FEBS (Surgical Oncology): European Board of Surgical Oncology, Naples, Italy
- FCPS (General Surgery): College of Physicians and Surgeons, Mumbai
- MRCS (UK): Member of the Royal College of Surgeons, UK
- FRS (Robotic Surgery): Amrita Institute, Kerala
- FMAS: Fellowship in Minimal Access Surgery
- FIAGES: Fellowship of Indian Association of Gastro-Endoscopic Surgeons
- FICS: Fellowship of the International College of Surgeons
Areas of Expertise
Major Cancer Types Treated
- Breast Cancer
- Head, Neck, and Throat Cancers
- Gastrointestinal Cancers (Stomach, Colon, Rectum)
- Gynaecological Cancers (Ovarian, Uterine)
- Urological Cancers (Prostate, Kidney)
- Thoracic (Lung) Cancers
- Robotic Onco-Surgery
- Laparoscopic (Minimal Access) Onco-Surgery
- Organ Preservation Surgery
- Oncoplastic Breast Surgery
- LASER Surgery for Head & Neck Cancers
- Robotic Cancer Surgery (for Prostate, Colon, Rectal, Uterine Cancers)
- Laparoscopic Cancer Surgery
- LASER Surgery for early Head, Neck, and Throat Cancers
- Breast Conservation Surgery and Oncoplastic Reconstruction
- Sphincter Preservation Surgery for Rectal Cancer
- Transanal Minimally Invasive Surgery (TAMIS)
Professional Experience
Current & Past Hospital Affiliations
- Robotic Surgery Program Director, MGM Hospital, Vashi, Navi Mumbai
- Consultant - Surgical Oncology, Fortis Hiranandani Hospital, Vashi
- Consultant - Surgical Oncology, Reliance Hospital, Koperkhairane
- Consultant - Surgical Oncology, S.R. L Raheja – Fortis, Mahim, Mumbai
- Consultant Surgical Oncologist, Medicover Hospitals, Navi-Mumbai
- Consultant, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital (2020-2023)
- Senior Resident/Fellow, Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital, Mumbai (2012-2015)
- Honorary Assistant Professor, J. J. Group of Hospitals, Greater Mumbai
- Head of Oncosurgery Department, Gokuldas Tejpal [G.T.] Hospital
- Actively contributes to research with numerous publications in national and international journals.
Awards & Recognitions
National & International Awards
- Gold Medal and Invite: European Cancer Congress, Krakow, Poland (2016)
- 1st Prize: European Society of Surgical Oncology [E.S.S.O.], Naples, Italy
- Multiple distinctions and top ranks during his MBBS studies.
Research & Publications
- Dr. Donald has authored several research papers and presented posters at various national and international conferences, contributing to the advancement of surgical oncology.
Patient Success Stories & Testimonials
Notable Cases Handled
- Pioneered the use of LASER surgery for early-stage throat cancers, preserving patients' voice and swallowing functions effectively.
- Successfully performed numerous complex robotic surgeries for rectal and prostate cancers, achieving excellent cancer control while preserving vital functions.
- Expert in performing Breast Conservation Surgeries with oncoplastic techniques, providing aesthetically pleasing results without compromising cancer outcomes.
- "Dr. Donald John Babu is a brilliant surgeon with a very direct and honest approach. He performed a robotic surgery for my father's colon cancer. The recovery was incredibly fast. He is the best oncologist in Navi Mumbai, without a doubt." - Sneha Patel
- "I was advised to undergo a complete mastectomy, but Dr. Donald offered me the option of breast conservation surgery. His confidence and skill are remarkable. He not only treated my cancer but also preserved my dignity. I am forever grateful." - A. Fernandes
- "His training at Tata Memorial is evident in his expertise. Dr. Donald explains complex medical information in a simple, jargon-free way that gives you clarity and hope. He is a truly compassionate and highly skilled cancer surgeon." - Sameer Joshi
Treatment Approach & Philosophy
- Patient-Centred Care: Dr. Donald believes in straightforward, transparent, and honest communication. He takes the time to explain the diagnosis and treatment options in simple terms, empowering patients to make informed decisions. His approach is highly personalised, ensuring that each patient receives a treatment plan tailored to their unique medical needs and personal preferences.
- Technology & Innovation: A firm believer that "Radical Surgery is a thing of the past," Dr. Donald is a champion of modern, minimally invasive techniques. His expertise in Robotic, Laparoscopic, and LASER surgery is driven by his core philosophy of Organ Preservation. This approach minimises surgical trauma, speeds up recovery, and significantly improves the post-treatment quality of life for his patients.
Treatment Costs
| Surgical Oncology Procedure | Estimated Cost (INR) | Estimated Cost (USD) |
| Robotic Radical Prostatectomy | ₹5,50,000 - ₹9,00,000 | $6,600 - $10,800 |
| Laparoscopic Colectomy | ₹4,00,000 - ₹7,50,000 | $4,800 - $9,000 |
| Breast Conservation Surgery | ₹3,00,000 - ₹6,00,000 | $3,600 - $7,200 |
| LASER Surgery for Laryngeal Cancer | ₹2,50,000 - ₹5,00,000 | $3,000 - $6,000 |
International Patient Assistance
- Language Support: Dr. Donald is fluent in English, Hindi, Malayalam, and Marathi. For other languages, the Cancer Rounds team provides professional interpreters to ensure seamless communication for international patients.
- Visa & Travel Assistance: Our international patient care team offers comprehensive support, from providing medical visa invitation letters to assisting with travel logistics and accommodation, ensuring a hassle-free experience for patients coming to India for treatment.
- Pre-treatment Virtual Consultations: Dr. Donald John Babu is available for online video consultations. This allows international patients to connect with him through the Cancer Rounds platform for a second opinion, to discuss their diagnosis, and to understand the proposed treatment plan before travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Donald's reputation as a top onco-surgeon stems from his elite training at Tata Memorial Hospital, his international certification from the European Board (FEBS), and his specialised expertise in advanced Robotic, Laparoscopic, and LASER surgeries.
Organ Preservation Surgery is an advanced approach where the cancerous tumour is removed with precision while saving the affected organ and its function. Dr. Donald is an expert in this, performing procedures like breast conservation (instead of mastectomy) and sphincter preservation (to avoid a permanent colostomy bag in rectal cancer).
For suitable cases, robotic surgery offers significant advantages like enhanced 3D vision, greater precision, smaller incisions, less pain, reduced blood loss, and faster recovery. Dr. Donald is a highly experienced robotic surgeon and directs a robotic surgery programme.
Dr. Donald is a pioneer in using LASER surgery for treating early-stage Head, Neck, and Throat (laryngeal) cancers. This minimally invasive technique can remove tumours precisely through the mouth, often preserving the patient's voice and swallowing ability.
You can easily schedule a virtual or in-person second opinion with Dr. Donald through the Cancer Rounds team. They will assist in sharing your medical records and setting up the consultation.
