M. Bijoy Thomas, MD, Performs 5,000th Robotically Assisted Gynecologic Cancer Surgery

Studies have shown the more robotically assisted procedures a surgeon conducts, the better the results for the patient. Some have put the number for proficiency at 150-200 procedures; others say 50-100 are needed to perform robotic-assisted hysterectomies proficiently. 

Regardless of the ideal number, colleagues at Lehigh Valley Topper Cancer Institute and Lehigh Valley Institute for Surgical Excellence, both part of Jefferson Health – along with those at Jefferson’s Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center – couldn’t be prouder of M. Bijoy Thomas, MD, Chief, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, who just completed his 5,000th robotic-assisted surgery. 

Reaching this milestone places Dr. Thomas among the highest-volume robotic gynecologic surgeons in the country, an important distinction when considering the patient’s well-being. In one study, more qualified surgeons were associated with 64% less complications than those who performed fewer procedures. 

Dr. Thomas believes experience indeed matters. He says performing more robotic procedures exposes the surgeon to a wide range of anatomy, disease presentations and surgical challenges. That experience helps inform decision-making before, during and after surgery.

“It’s also better for patients,” he says, “because experience helps the surgeon manage more complex cases minimally invasively. It enhances efficiency, lowers the likelihood of converting to an open procedure, improves recognition and management of unexpected findings and reinforces patient-centered decision-making. 

“Perhaps most importantly,” he adds, “experience provides judgment. It helps determine not only how to perform an operation, but whether surgery is the right option and which approach is best suited for each patient.”

According to Michael Pasquale, MD, Physician in Chief, Lehigh Valley Institute for Surgical Excellence, the 5,000th achievement also reflects the dedication and support of the many individuals who have contributed to the success of the robotic surgery program. 

“Robotic surgery is a team effort,” he says, “and I am grateful for the collaboration of our operating room staff, anesthesia teams, nurses, advanced practice clinicians, residents, fellows, hospital leadership and physician colleagues who have helped make this possible.”

In gynecologic oncology, robotic surgery is mostly used for hysterectomy, sentinel lymph node mapping, cancer staging and procedures related to cervical, uterine and ovarian cancers. In carefully selected patients, robotic techniques may play a role in removing tumors following chemotherapy and in the treatment of recurrent disease. 

A major advantage is the ability to precisely maneuver around critical structures such as the bladder, bowel or major blood vessels while maintaining the benefits of a minimally invasive approach. These same advantages make robotic surgery valuable for complex gynecologic conditions, including advanced endometriosis, large fibroids, severe adhesions and pelvic reconstruction. 

“Over the past 17 years, robotic surgery has become an integral part of my practice, allowing me to provide minimally invasive surgical care to thousands of women with gynecologic cancers and complex benign gynecologic conditions,” Dr. Thomas says. 

Fortunately, the experience of Dr. Thomas and the team will go on through work with colleagues, residents, fellows and medical students. Teaching and mentoring the next generation of surgeons is an important part of advancing patient care and the field of minimally invasive surgery and keeping up with  future changes. 

Looking ahead, Dr. Thomas sees advancements. 

“The use of sentinel lymph node mapping, which allows accurate cancer staging while reducing the need for more extensive lymph node dissections, is growing,” he says, “and single-port surgery through one small incision, is on the rise. This can further reduce postoperative pain, improve cosmetic outcomes and speed recovery while maintaining the precision of robotic surgery.” 

He also points to advances in imaging technologies that improve visualization during surgery as well as artificial intelligence and data-driven tools to assist with surgical planning, education and quality improvement. These changes can help more patients benefit from minimally invasive surgery while maintaining excellent surgical and oncologic outcomes.

“The most rewarding part of performing more than 5,000 robotic surgeries is not the number itself – it’s seeing the difference this technology has made in the lives of patients,” Dr. Thomas says. “Women who once faced large incisions, long hospital stays and extended recoveries are often able to return home and resume their normal lives more quickly. As robotic technology continues to evolve, I am excited about the opportunity to offer even more patients more benefits.”