Guyana Makes History with Landmark Cardiac Telesurgery and Robotic Operations

Georgetown, Guyana – Tuesday, 26 May 2026 – Guyana has etched its name into global medical history with a groundbreaking series of robotic surgeries, including the world’s longest-distance cardiac telesurgery, performed across continents using advanced robotic technology.

Historic Cardiac Telesurgery

At 6:00 AM on 26 May 2026, internationally renowned cardiac surgeon Dr Sudhir Srivastava successfully conducted a Coronary Artery Bypass Graft remotely from Guyana on a patient in India. Utilising the SSI Mantra 3 robotic surgical system, the procedure spanned approximately 20,000 kilometres via fibre optic cables, setting a new world record for the longest-distance telesurgery ever performed.

Onsite support in India was provided by Dr Lalit Malik and Dr Mohit Bhandari, ensuring seamless collaboration across borders.

Local Robotic General Surgery

In Guyana, Dr Hemraj Ramcharran, supported by Dr Bibi Hussain and Dr Jagnanand Ramnarine, successfully performed a robotic inguinal hernia repair. This milestone makes Dr Ramcharran the first Guyanese surgeon to perform robotic surgery in Guyana and the English-speaking Caribbean. The team’s achievement follows specialised training in robotic surgery undertaken in India.

Historic Local Cardiac Robotic Surgery

Following the general surgery, Dr Sudhir Srivastava performed a local robotic Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) repair in Guyana. The patient, diagnosed with a congenital heart condition involving an abnormal opening between the heart’s upper chambers, benefited from this minimally invasive, high-precision procedure.

Significance for Guyana and the Region

This landmark initiative marks a turning point for Guyana’s healthcare system, introducing robotics and telemedicine on an unprecedented scale. It is not only a demonstration of cutting-edge surgical innovation but also a powerful example of international collaboration, where global expertise converged with local talent to achieve historic outcomes.

By advancing minimally invasive techniques and fostering hands-on training, the event has strengthened the capacity of Guyanese healthcare professionals while positioning the nation at the forefront of medical innovation in CARICOM. More than a milestone, it signals Guyana’s growing role in digital healthcare transformation and its commitment to shaping the future of surgery in the Region.

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