A Closer Look at Endometrial Cancer Surgery in Mumbai Through a Doctor’s Lens

 

As a medical journalist, I recently visited Kirit Nursing Home in Vile Parle, Mumbai, to better understand how endometrial cancer surgery in Mumbai is being handled by leading specialists. I came face to face with Dr. Maitreyee Parulekar, a gynecological oncologist whose name frequently comes up when women are researching skilled, minimally invasive cancer surgery in India’s financial capital.

Dr. Maitreyee Parulekar: Qualifications, Experience & Clinic Setup

Dr. Maitreyee Parulekar practices at Kirit Nursing Home (Pushpa Ganga Society, Subhash Road, Vile Parle East) and is known for her surgical expertise in gynecologic oncology and minimally invasive procedures. She holds an MBBS, an MS in Obstetrics & Gynaecology (KEM Hospital), and internationally recognised credentials including MRCOG (UK) and FMAS (MUMHS). Her training extends further: Dr. Parulekar completed a fellowship in gynecologic oncosurgery and robotic surgery at Seoul National University Hospital, and also underwent advanced minimally invasive training at Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto.

Her association with Kirit Nursing Home allows her to provide surgical interventions in a more personalized, patient-friendly setting, while leveraging hospital infrastructure for more complex oncology work. The clinic is understated yet well-equipped, conducive to high-risk surgeries while also offering a compassionate consultation environment.

What Happens During Endometrial Cancer Surgery

During our conversation, Dr. Parulekar explained that her approach to endometrial cancer (cancer of the uterine lining) is highly individualized. Depending on the stage and grade of the cancer, she may recommend:

• Laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery: Removal of the uterus (hysterectomy), possibly along with fallopian tubes and ovaries, performed via small incisions.
• Robotic-assisted surgery: For more precise dissection, especially when lymph node sampling or staging is required.
• Open surgery (when necessary): Reserved for advanced cases where minimally invasive techniques may not suffice.

Her minimally invasive methods often mean smaller incisions, less blood loss, and faster recovery compared with open surgery. She also emphasized the importance of surgical staging — checking lymph nodes and surrounding structures to determine how far cancer has spread — which is critical for treatment planning and prognosis.

Pros & Cons of Endometrial Cancer Surgery

Pros:

1. Minimally Invasive: Laparoscopic or robotic surgery reduces recovery time, pain, and scarring.
2. Precision: Robotic technology offers better visualization, which can help preserve healthy tissue and accurately sample lymph nodes.
3. Faster Return to Daily Life: Patients often spend fewer days in the hospital.
4. Evidence-Based Care: Dr. Parulekar brings global training and applies international surgical protocols.

Cons / Limitations:

1. Cost: Robotic or high-end minimally invasive surgery can be more expensive than conventional surgery.
2. Surgical Risk: As with any cancer surgery, risks include bleeding, infection, damage to nearby structures (bladder, bowel), and anesthesia-related complications.
3. Not for Everyone: Very advanced cancer may require more radical surgery or even open approaches.
4. Long-Term Follow-Up: Surgery is only one part of treatment; patients may need postoperative therapies, monitoring for recurrence, and sometimes hormone therapy.

Approximate Cost Range in Mumbai

Estimating the cost of endometrial cancer surgery in Mumbai can vary greatly. Based on consultations with oncologists and hospital data:

• A laparoscopic hysterectomy with staging might cost in the range of ₹2.5 lakhs to ₹5 lakhs, depending on hospital, surgeon, and extent of surgery.
• Robotic surgery, given the technology and expertise, could push costs higher — possibly ₹4 lakhs to ₹8 lakhs or more, again depending on the facility, surgeon’s fees, and post-op care.

These are approximate figures; individual costs depend heavily on case complexity, length of stay, and whether adjuvant therapies (like radiation) are needed.

Other Doctors in Mumbai Performing Similar Treatment

To place Dr. Maitreyee Parulekar work in context, I also looked into two other gynecologic oncologists in Mumbai who perform endometrial cancer surgery.

Dr. Vaishali Paliwal

Dr. Vaishali Paliwal is a gynecological oncologist with fellowship training from Tata Memorial Centre and significant experience in robotic and laparoscopic cancer surgery. She is associated with advanced surgical oncology centres and is also experienced in managing systemic therapy.

• Pros: Strong oncologic training, expertise in robotic surgery, and familiarity with complex cancer cases.
• Cons: As a high-profile oncologist, consultation and surgical costs may be on the higher side; hospital-based treatment might involve longer waits.
• Precautions / Aftercare: Emphasizes pre-op evaluation, genetic counseling (if required), and longitudinal follow-up including imaging, labs, and multidisciplinary oncology support.

A Specialist from Kokilaben Hospital’s Gynecologic Oncology Team

Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital has a dedicated Gynaecological Oncology unit that treats endometrial cancer with surgical, medical, and radiation oncology inputs. Their surgeons are experienced in staging surgeries, lymph node dissection, and minimally invasive approaches.

• Pros: Access to a large, multidisciplinary cancer centre and infrastructure for complex cases.
• Cons: Higher facility costs; scheduling may require coordinating with multiple departments (surgery, pathology, radiation).
• Precautions / Aftercare: Patients are carefully monitored post-surgery, with follow-ups in multidisciplinary tumour boards; recovery protocols are well defined, including physiotherapy, pelvic care, and long-term surveillance.

Precautions & Aftercare Shared by Dr. Parulekar

When we spoke, Dr. Maitreyee Parulekar emphasized several key points for patients undergoing endometrial cancer surgery:

1. Pre-operative Workup: Before surgery, patients should undergo imaging (MRI/CT), blood work, and possibly biopsy to confirm disease extent.
2. Counselling & Informed Consent: She ensures patients understand what surgery involves, what staging means, and the risk–benefit analysis.
3. Nutrition & Health Optimization: Good nutritional status, control of blood sugar (if diabetic), and general fitness help minimize surgical risk.
4. Post-Op Recovery: Use of minimally invasive surgery helps reduce pain, but patients need time to recover, slowly increase activity, and follow wound care protocols.
5. Long-Term Follow-Up: Cancer surgery is not the end — Dr. Parulekar recommends regular follow-up with imaging, blood tests, and possibly adjuvant therapy (e.g., radiotherapy or hormone therapy), depending on pathology.

My Observations as a Medical Journalist

Listening to Dr. Maitreyee Parulekar speak, I was struck by her blend of surgical courage and empathetic care. She clearly believes in giving her patients the best mix of technology and humanity. Her global training – from Seoul to Toronto – comes through not as a badge, but as real surgical competence and a commitment to minimizing trauma for her patients.

Importantly, she does not oversell the idea of surgery as a cure-all. She acknowledges that endometrial cancer management often needs a multidisciplinary approach and emphasizes realistic expectations, staging, and follow-up.

If you or someone you know is considering endometrial cancer surgery in Mumbai, or want to understand what your surgical journey might look like, feel free to drop a message.

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📍 Kirit Nursing Home In Mumbai

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✉️ Email: info@drmaitreyeegynec.in