Prof Dr Raj Nagarkar, Chief of Surgical Oncology & Robotic Services at HCG Manavata Cancer Centre (HCGMCC) in Nashik, spearheaded a groundbreaking master class on Robotic Surgery at MASICON, hosted by the Maharashtra State chapter of the Association of Surgeons of India (ASI).

The event, held from February 8th to February 11th, 2024, showcased Dr Nagarkar's expertise with a live demonstration of a Low Anterior Resection (LAR) using minimally invasive robotic techniques, attracting over 2000 attendees both in-person and virtually.

During the session, postgraduate general surgery students and attending surgeons gained comprehensive insights into critical analysis of indications, multidisciplinary patient management, surgical techniques, and operative procedures.

Dr Nagarkar's achievement of setting a new world record with a thousand robotic-assisted surgeries within a span of four years underscored the significance of his contributions.

The conference also featured distinguished surgeons from across Maharashtra, facilitating engagement in scientific programs and discussions aimed at enhancing medical surgical education. Dr Raj Nagarkar expressed his enthusiasm for hosting the robotic-assisted surgery class, highlighting the importance of sharing knowledge and advancing surgical practices.

In addition to Dr Nagarkar's master class, the final day of the event included enlightening lectures and live surgery demonstrations. Dr Aditya Adhav showcased Breast Cancer Lumpectomy with Axillary Dissection, emphasizing the importance of Breast Conservation Surgery, while Dr Vikas Jain chaired various live surgeries, including Robotic Anterior Resection with Lateral Pelvic Node Dissection and Endoscopic Thyroidectomy.

Reflecting on MASICON's significance, Dr Nagarkar emphasized the platform's role in facilitating the exchange of experiences and insights among surgeons from across the state. The event fostered camaraderie and unity among the surgical community, reinforcing their commitment to advancing surgical excellence in Maharashtra.

Furthermore, the contributions of super-specialty surgical oncology residents from HCGMCC, including Dr Palak Naik, Dr Supriya Dombre, and others, further enriched the event through engaging presentations and informative content, demonstrating a collective commitment to advancing surgical knowledge and practices.