In a groundbreaking development for military and national healthcare, Command Hospital, Pune, has successfully conducted its first robotic stereotactic biopsy using the Medtronic Stealth Autoguide system. This advanced, minimally invasive neurosurgical procedure was carried out by the Department of Neurosurgery and marks a significant leap in diagnostic precision and patient safety.
The AUTOGUIDE system is a state-of-the-art robotic guidance platform that enhances the accuracy of brain biopsies. According to a 2023 study published in Neurosurgery (DOI: 10.1227/neu.0000000000002345), this technology improves biopsy precision by nearly 30% over traditional techniques. The procedure was further supported by real-time MRI guidance, in line with findings from a 2022 Journal of Neuroimaging study (DOI: 10.1111/jon.12987), which noted a significant reduction in procedural risks.
This medical milestone adds to a string of recent innovations at Command Hospital, including the successful treatment of a rare inner ear disorder in a Bangladeshi teenager in April 2025. The integration of robotic systems into a military hospital—traditionally focused on trauma care—highlights the institution’s expanding role in specialized and high-tech treatment.
The biopsy was performed by a multidisciplinary team utilizing advanced imaging and robotic tools, reinforcing the hospital’s position at the forefront of neurological care in India. This achievement is seen as a critical step toward integrating robotic technology into routine neurosurgical diagnostics, potentially setting new standards across military and civilian healthcare systems.
Officials from Command Hospital expressed pride in the team’s accomplishment, emphasizing a patient-first philosophy and the ongoing commitment to medical excellence within the Indian Armed Forces. The success of the procedure also contributes to India’s growing influence in global medical innovation and opens avenues for future international collaborations in robotic-assisted healthcare.
