Kerala launches robotic surgery for cancer, a first in Indian government sector: How is it done, who gets it?

Kerala's Regional Cancer Centre (RCC) in Thiruvananthapuram and Malabar Cancer Centre (MCC) in Thalassery have been equipped with robotic surgery units as part of the state's aim to control and prevent cancer. This is a first in the government sector, and it can be used in the treatment of patients who need minimally invasive procedures like laparoscopic surgery. Robot-assisted surgery aka RAS, is expensive as compared to traditional procedures as it demands the use of expensive robots, maintenance and well-trained surgeons.
According to the American Institute of Cancer Research, a robotic arm is used to direct surgical instruments to perform parts of the procedure. Robotic surgeries aren't fully done by robots, but by a doctor who is trained to use the technology. It can be used in the treatment of lung, colon, cervical, kidney, pancreatic, oesophagal, cervical and prostate cancers. How is it done?

The robotic procedure
A tube equipped with 3D visualisation is inserted through small incisions, and it enlarges the area for the surgery. The surgeon, who sits at a console, controls the robotic arm, usually using both hand and foot pedals. In turn, the inserted robotic arm mimics the surgeon's movements with accuracy. After the procedure is completed, the robotic arm and accompanying tools are removed. The small incision made for the surgery heals faster than bigger surgery wounds. The first robotic surgery was performed in India in 2002 at the All India Institute of Medical Science. Last year, a first-of-its-kind robotic thyroid surgery was conducted in Kochi's Lakeshore Hospital.