GMC Bhopal's first live Unicondylar Knee Replacement surgery draws backlash
Live surgery
Bhopal: To provide practical surgical training to doctors, Gandhi Medical College (GMC), Bhopal, recently conducted its first-ever live Unicondylar Knee Replacement (UKR) surgery at Hamidia Hospital. The event has received mixed reactions from the medical community, while some praised it for its educational value, others questioned whether such live surgeries are truly safe and ethical.
The procedure, a partial knee replacement, was broadcast using high-definition audio-visual equipment, allowing over 125 orthopaedic surgeons, postgraduates and physicians to observe, interact with the surgical team and discuss in real time with them. The initiative aimed to showcase the latest techniques in minimally invasive knee arthroplasty and provide medical knowledge to the postgraduate doctors.
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While many participants appreciated the educational value, saying live workshops foster collaborative learning and excellence in joint replacement surgery, several senior doctors have expressed concern that the presence of cameras and an audience can distract the surgeon and put patient safety at risk.
According to these doctors, live surgery may be good for academic purposes but not good for practical purposes, as it distracts the surgeon in the operating theatre (OT). The presence of the patient’s family and attendants, who often become emotional during surgery, may make the situation complicated.
Speaking to Free Press Journal, Dr JP Paliwal, surgeon and former Gandhi Medical College (GMC) professor, said, "Presence of cameras and audience distracts the surgeon, increasing stress and potentially leading to errors or compromised patient outcomes. There are concerns about whether patients are fully informed about all the risks, including the potential for divided attention, and about the ethical implications of using a patient for demonstration purposes. Live surgeries can overshadow educational purposes and put patients’ safety at risk."
Dr Virendra Sharma, medical superintendent of Jabalpur Medical College, said, "We have not done it in our medical college. The live surgery has drawbacks like potential distractions for the surgeon and ethical issues regarding patients’ consent and safety. Regulations are being put in place to ensure that live surgeries are strictly for education and not for commercial promotion."
Previously, JUDA president Dr Kuldeep Gupta said, "Live surgery was organised by the Department of Orthopaedics, Gandhi Medical College, in association with Madhya Pradesh Chapter of IOA under the auspices of Bhopal Orthopaedic Surgeons Society. It marks a significant step in orthopaedic surgical training and innovation in Central India."
Dr Ashish Gohiya, Head of Orthopaedics at GMC, said "Live surgery bridges the gap between academic knowledge and practical experience, helping young surgeons grasp patient selection, implant alignment and postoperative management."
Medical Superintendent Dr Sumit Tandon said, "UKR has been done for the first time at Hamidia Hospital. Live surgery is crucial for PG students as it gives them valuable exposure."
