Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi – India
About Dr. Gopal Kumar
Dr. Gopal Kumar is a highly acclaimed and internationally trained Robotic Head and Neck Cancer Surgeon, recognised as one of the best and most skilled oncologists in India. With over 15 years of dedicated experience, his expertise is sharpened by elite international fellowships, including advanced training in Robotic and Endoscopic Head and Neck Surgery from the world-renowned Yonsei Cancer Center, South Korea, and a global fellowship from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre (MSKCC), New York. As a top robotic head and neck cancer surgeon in India, Dr. Kumar has mastered all three models of the Da Vinci robotic system (Si, Xi, SP) and has performed over 200 complex robotic procedures. He has a special interest in organ preservation surgery for cancers of the throat and voice box, and is a pioneer in minimally invasive techniques like scarless (transoral) thyroidectomy, offering patients world-class outcomes with minimal scarring and faster recovery.
OPD Schedule Of Dr. Gopal Kumar
Consultation Fees Rs. N/A /-
Medanta - The Medicity, Gurgaon
MON
11:00 AM - 05:00 PM
TUE
11:00 AM - 05:00 PM
WED
11:00 AM - 05:00 PM
THU
11:00 AM - 05:00 PM
FRI
11:00 AM - 05:00 PM
SAT
11:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Qualifications & Credentials
- MS (Otorhinolaryngology)
- Diploma in Anesthesia
- MBBS
- Advanced Robotic and Endoscopic Head and Neck Surgery Fellowship: Yonsei Cancer Center and Severance Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
- Global Online Fellowship in Head and Neck Surgery: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre (MSKCC), New York, USA
- Fellowship (Head and Neck Surgical Oncology): The Gujarat Cancer and Research Institute (GCRI), Ahmedabad
- Transoral Thyroidectomy Training: Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
- Laser Course in Head and Neck Oncology: Tata Memorial Hospital (TMH), Mumbai
- Training in Head and Neck Surgery: Tata Memorial Hospital (TMH), Mumbai
Areas of Expertise
Major Cancer Types Treated
- Oropharyngeal Cancers: Tonsil Cancer, Base of Tongue Cancer
- Laryngeal & Hypopharyngeal Cancers (Voice Box & Throat)
- Thyroid Cancer and Benign Thyroid Nodules
- Oral Cancers: Tongue Cancer, Buccal (Cheek) Cancer, Mandible & Maxilla Lesions
- Salivary Gland Cancers: Parotid Cancer
- Recurrent Head & Neck Cancers
- Vocal Cord Lesions (Nodules, Polyps, Growths)
- Robotic Head and Neck Surgery
- Endoscopic & Minimal Invasive Head and Neck Surgery
- Organ Preservation Surgery
- Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery
- Head and Neck Reconstructive Surgery
- Voice and Swallowing Rehabilitation
- Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS) for cancers of the tonsil, base of tongue, and throat.
- Robotic Thyroidectomy / Scarless Thyroidectomy (Transoral)
- Robotic Neck Dissection
- Robotic Parotidectomy and Parapharyngeal Tumour Excision
- Transoral Laser Microsurgery (TLM) for laryngeal lesions
- Injection Laryngoplasty for voice rehabilitation
Professional Experience
Current & Past Hospital Affiliations
- Current Affiliation: Director, Robotic Head & Neck Surgical Oncology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, Delhi
- Past Affiliation: Head and Neck Department, Medanta – The Medicity, Gurugram
- Conducted clinical research on premalignant lesions of the oral cavity.
- Active member of prestigious organisations including the Korean Society of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Federation of Head and Neck Oncology (FHNO), and Indian Society of Thyroid Surgeons.
- One of the few surgeons in India with an advanced international clinical fellowship in Robotic Head and Neck surgery from Yonsei Cancer Center, a global pioneer in the field.
- Proficient in all three generations of the Da Vinci Robotic System (Si, Xi, and the latest SP model), allowing for the most advanced surgical approaches.
- High-volume robotic surgeon with experience of over 200 robotic head and neck cancer surgeries.
- A specialist in treating recurrent head and neck cancers, where robotic surgery offers significant advantages.
Awards & Recognitions
- Gold Medal in Consultant Award Paper at the Association of Otolaryngologists of India (AOI) conference.
Research & Publications
- Dr. Gopal Kumar has contributed to the field of head and neck oncology through clinical research and presentations at national and international forums. His research includes a clinical study focused on the crucial area of premalignant cases within the oral cavity, aiming to improve early detection and intervention.
Patient Success Stories & Testimonials
- "I was diagnosed with tongue base cancer and was terrified about the side effects of traditional surgery. Dr. Gopal Kumar performed a Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS). The recovery was incredibly fast, with no external scars, and my ability to speak and swallow is perfect. He is without a doubt the best robotic surgeon in India." - Ramesh Gupta
- "The thought of a large scar on my neck from thyroid surgery was very distressing. Dr. Gopal offered me a 'scarless' transoral thyroidectomy. The procedure was a success, and there is absolutely no visible scar. His skill and adoption of the latest techniques are truly world-class." - Priya Sharma
- "My father had a recurrent throat cancer, and we had almost lost hope. Dr. Kumar's expertise in robotic surgery for recurrent cases was our last chance. He meticulously removed the tumour robotically. His confidence, compassionate care, and surgical brilliance gave my father a new life." - The Singh Family
Treatment Approach & Philosophy
Patient-Centred Care
- Dr. Kumar’s primary focus is on organ preservation and maintaining the patient's quality of life. He believes that successfully treating head and neck cancer goes beyond just removing the tumour; it involves preserving vital functions like speech, swallowing, and cosmesis. He provides comprehensive counselling and works closely with his patients to choose a treatment plan that offers the best oncological and functional outcomes.
- He is a leader in adopting and mastering cutting-edge surgical technology. Dr. Kumar's expertise in Robotic and Endoscopic surgery allows him to access and remove tumours from the throat and neck through the mouth, avoiding large external incisions. This commitment to minimally invasive techniques results in less pain, reduced hospital stays, minimal scarring, and a significantly faster return to normalcy for his patients.
Treatment Costs
| Robotic Surgery Procedure | Estimated Cost in INR | Estimated Cost in USD |
| Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS) | ₹4,50,000 - ₹7,50,000 | $5,400 - $9,000 |
| Robotic Thyroidectomy (Scarless) | ₹5,00,000 - ₹8,00,000 | $6,000 - $9,600 |
| Robotic Neck Dissection | ₹4,00,000 - ₹6,50,000 | $4,800 - $7,800 |
| Transoral Laser Microsurgery (TLM) | ₹2,00,000 - ₹3,50,000 | $2,400 - $4,200 |
International Patient Assistance
Language Support
- The Cancer Rounds team provides professional language interpretation services to ensure clear and comfortable communication for international patients during their consultations with Dr. Gopal Kumar and his medical team.
- Our dedicated international patient services team offers comprehensive support, including medical visa facilitation, flight and accommodation arrangements, and airport transfers for a hassle-free visit to India.
- Dr. Gopal Kumar is available for pre-treatment online consultations. This allows patients from around the world to receive an expert second opinion, discuss their case, and have a preliminary treatment plan before travelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Gopal Kumar's elite international fellowship in advanced robotic surgery from Yonsei Cancer Center, South Korea (a global pioneer), combined with his experience on all Da Vinci robotic platforms (Si, Xi, SP) and a high volume of over 200 robotic cases, places him among the best and most experienced robotic head and neck surgeons in India.
TORS is a minimally invasive surgical technique where a surgeon uses the Da Vinci robotic system to remove tumours from the throat (tonsil, base of tongue, larynx) by accessing them through the mouth. This avoids the need for large external incisions in the neck, leading to faster recovery and better functional outcomes.
A scarless or transoral thyroidectomy is an advanced procedure where the thyroid gland is removed through incisions made inside the mouth. This completely avoids any visible scar on the neck, offering an excellent cosmetic result. Dr. Kumar is one of the few surgeons in India with international training in this technique.
For suitable cases, robotic surgery offers significant advantages, including a magnified 3D view for the surgeon, enhanced precision, and the ability to work in tight spaces. This often results in less blood loss, shorter hospital stays, faster recovery of speech and swallowing functions, and no external scars.
Yes, Dr. Kumar has a special interest and expertise in treating recurrent (cancers that have come back after initial treatment). Robotic surgery is often a valuable tool in these complex cases, as it allows for precise removal of the tumour while navigating through previously operated or irradiated tissues.
This is a surgical philosophy focused on completely removing the cancer while preserving the function of the affected organ as much as possible. For example, removing a voice box cancer while preserving the patient's ability to speak. Dr. Kumar is a strong proponent of this approach.
You can schedule a virtual consultation with Dr. Kumar by contacting the Cancer Rounds. The team will assist you in booking an appointment and sharing your medical reports and scans for his expert review.
