Dr. Nikesh Gandhi: General and Minimal Access Surgeon at Vihaa Hospital, India
1. Article Details
The article Endoscopic Superficial Parotidectomy—Our First Venture was authored by Shailesh P. Puntambekar, Nikesh M. Gandhi, Mohammed Azharuddin Azim Attar, and Kshitij Manerikar. It was published online on 15 October 2024 in the Indian Journal of Surgery and appears in Volume 87, pages 574–575 (2025). It is a case report describing a transcervical endoscopic superficial parotidectomy in an otherwise healthy woman presenting with right cheek swelling. Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) suggested pleomorphic adenoma. The article presents the authors’ initial experience with this surgical approach.
2. Novelty
The article demonstrates technical novelty through the reported use of a transcervical endoscopic approach for superficial parotidectomy. The technique explores an alternative to conventional open surgery, potentially offering improved cosmetic outcomes through less conspicuous incision placement. However, endoscopic parotidectomy has previously been described using other surgical approaches. Therefore, the novelty lies primarily in the specific technique and its initial clinical application rather than in the concept of endoscopic parotid surgery itself. Further comparison with existing techniques is necessary to establish the extent of its originality.
3. Impact
The article may influence the development of minimally invasive head and neck surgery by encouraging exploration of alternative surgical access routes. The technique could offer potential cosmetic benefits and provide magnified visualization of anatomical structures. It may also stimulate further research into patient satisfaction, postoperative recovery, and surgical outcomes. However, the clinical impact remains limited because the report describes an initial experience rather than a comparative study. Its findings cannot establish superiority over conventional superficial parotidectomy or demonstrate reduced complication rates.
4. Originality
The originality of the article lies in documenting the authors’ initial clinical experience with transcervical endoscopic superficial parotidectomy. It contributes to the surgical literature by presenting a specific approach that may be useful for further technical development and evaluation. Nevertheless, the broader concept of endoscopic parotidectomy is already established. The article’s scientific originality is therefore best considered an incremental technical contribution rather than a fundamental breakthrough. A comprehensive literature review would be required to determine whether the precise technique represents a previously unreported modification.
5. Experimental Rigor
The methodological rigor is limited by the case-report design and the small sample size. Although this design is appropriate for describing an initial surgical experience, it cannot provide reliable estimates of safety, efficacy, or reproducibility. The available abstract does not provide sufficient quantitative information regarding operative time, blood loss, facial nerve function, complications, cosmetic outcomes, or long-term follow-up. There is also no comparator group undergoing conventional surgery. Larger prospective studies with standardized outcome measures and adequate follow-up are needed to establish the technique’s clinical value.
6. Sustainability Impact
The sustainability impact of the technique remains uncertain. Endoscopic surgery may require specialized equipment, disposable instruments, maintenance, sterilization, and additional training. Although minimally invasive access could potentially influence recovery-related resource use, the article does not establish reductions in hospital stay, total treatment costs, or environmental burden. A meaningful sustainability assessment would require comparisons of procedural costs, material consumption, operating-room time, recovery resources, and clinical outcomes against conventional superficial parotidectomy.
7. Applicability
The technique may be applicable to carefully selected patients with benign superficial parotid tumours when minimally invasive access and cosmetic considerations are important. Its suitability depends on tumour size and location, diagnostic certainty, facial nerve anatomy, surgeon expertise, and the availability of appropriate equipment. The procedure may be most relevant in specialized centres with experience in endoscopic head and neck surgery. However, a single case report cannot establish general applicability, and conventional surgery may remain more appropriate in patients with complex tumours or suspected malignancy.
Research Portfolio
Dr. Nikesh M. Gandhi is a qualified surgeon specializing in General Surgery and Minimal Access Surgery, with advanced training in laparoscopic, bariatric, endoscopic, and robotic surgical techniques. He completed his MBBS at Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Chennai, followed by DNB in General Surgery at Shri Balaji Institute of Medical Science, Raipur, and a Fellowship in Minimal Access Surgery (FNB) at Galaxy CARE Laparoscopic Institute, Pune. He has further enhanced his surgical expertise through FIAGES, FALS Bariatric, and FALS Robotics qualifications. His clinical expertise includes minimally invasive thyroid and parathyroid surgery, complex laparoscopic hernia repair, bariatric surgery, gastrointestinal surgery, thoracoscopic procedures, and advanced general surgical interventions. He has contributed to surgical literature through peer-reviewed publications, textbook chapters, and scientific conference presentations, with a particular interest in innovative surgical approaches and the advancement of robotic surgery.
Online Profile
Dr. Nikesh M. Gandhi is a surgical professional with specialized experience in General Surgery and Minimal Access Surgery, focusing on advanced laparoscopic and endoscopic procedures. His professional profile combines clinical practice, specialized surgical training, academic research, and contributions to surgical literature. He has experience in minimally invasive hernia repair techniques, laparoscopic gastrointestinal and bariatric surgery, endoscopic thyroid and parathyroid procedures, and selected thoracoscopic and gynecological surgical interventions. His academic contributions include publications on colorectal cancer surgery, retrosternal goiter management, complex rectovaginal fistula repair, and superficial parotidectomy. Through his clinical experience and research activities, he aims to support the development of safe, effective, and innovative surgical practices. His continuing professional interests include robotic surgery, advanced minimally invasive techniques, and the application of emerging technologies to improve surgical precision and patient outcomes.
Education
Dr. Nikesh M. Gandhi completed his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) at Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Chennai, between 2009 and 2015, establishing his foundation in medical sciences and clinical practice. He subsequently pursued a Diplomate of National Board (DNB) in General Surgery at Shri Balaji Institute of Medical Science, Raipur, from 2016 to 2019, developing expertise in general surgical principles, operative techniques, perioperative management, and clinical decision-making. From 2021 to 2023, he undertook a Fellowship of the National Board (FNB) in Minimal Access Surgery at Galaxy CARE Laparoscopic Institute, Pune, gaining advanced training in minimally invasive surgical procedures. He further obtained FIAGES in 2023, FALS Bariatric in 2023, and FALS Robotics in 2025, reflecting his continued commitment to specialized surgical education and professional development. These qualifications demonstrate a progressive training pathway spanning foundational medical education, postgraduate general surgery, advanced laparoscopic surgery, bariatric surgery, and robotic surgical techniques.
Research Focus
Dr. Nikesh M. Gandhi’s research interests center on the advancement of minimally invasive surgical techniques and their application across multiple surgical specialties. His areas of focus include laparoscopic hernia repair, bariatric surgery, gastrointestinal surgery, colorectal cancer management, and endoscopic approaches to thyroid and parathyroid disorders. He has contributed to research involving intersphincteric resection and coloanal anastomosis for distal rectal cancers, endoscopic management of retrosternal goiters, and laparoscopic repair of recurrent and complex rectovaginal fistulas. His academic interests also encompass superficial parotidectomy, minimally invasive gynecological oncology, and the development of innovative operative approaches for complex surgical conditions. In addition, his postgraduate thesis examined the comparison of standard polypropylene mesh with self-fixating semi-resorbable mesh in Lichtenstein inguinal hernia repair. Looking ahead, he has a particular interest in robotic surgery and the potential of advanced surgical technologies to improve precision, reduce operative morbidity, enhance recovery, and optimize patient outcomes.
Experience
Dr. Nikesh M. Gandhi served as Associate Consultant and Clinical Lead in the Department of General and Minimal Access Surgery at The Madras Medical Mission from July 2023 to October 2024. In this role, his professional responsibilities were associated with advanced surgical practice and minimally invasive surgery. His clinical expertise includes laparoscopic hernia procedures such as TAPP, TEP, TARM, IPUM, and SCOLA, alongside laparoscopic gastrointestinal, bariatric, and general surgical procedures. He also has specialized interests in endoscopic thyroid and parathyroid surgery using transoral and presternal approaches, as well as thoracoscopic and laparoscopic gynecological surgery. Prior to this appointment, he worked as a Registrar in the Department of General, Laparoscopic and Bariatric Surgery at MGM Healthcare, Nungambakkam, Chennai, from 2019 to 2020. These professional experiences, combined with his advanced fellowship training, have contributed to his development in complex surgical procedures, minimally invasive techniques, and multidisciplinary surgical care.
Research Timeline & Activities
Dr. Nikesh M. Gandhi’s academic and research activities have developed alongside his postgraduate training and subsequent surgical career. During his DNB General Surgery training from 2016 to 2019, he completed a postgraduate thesis comparing standard polypropylene mesh with self-fixating semi-resorbable mesh in Lichtenstein inguinal hernia repair. He participated in scientific conferences, presenting papers at CG-ASICON in 2018, where he secured third place, and again in 2019. His poster presentations included work on pseudomyxoma peritonei at the 2017 Chhattisgarh state conference and a rare case of jejunogastric intussusception following gastrojejunostomy at CG-ASICON 2019. Between 2021 and 2023, he pursued advanced fellowship training in Minimal Access Surgery at Galaxy CARE Laparoscopic Institute, Pune, further developing his interest in complex laparoscopic procedures. His research contributions have included publications addressing colorectal surgery, retrosternal goiter management, complex rectovaginal fistulas, and superficial parotidectomy, as well as contributions to surgical textbooks. In 2023, he obtained FIAGES and FALS Bariatric qualifications, followed by FALS Robotics in 2025, supporting his continuing interest in the evolution of minimally invasive and technology-assisted surgery.
Awards & Honors
Dr. Nikesh M. Gandhi received the Best Researcher Award at the 10th Edition of Global Research on Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, recognizing his research-related contributions and professional engagement with innovation. He also achieved third place in a paper presentation at CG-ASICON 2018, demonstrating his participation in scientific exchange and academic activities during postgraduate surgical training. In addition to these recognitions, his research contributions include peer-reviewed journal publications, textbook chapters, and presentations at professional conferences. His academic work spans several areas of surgical practice, including colorectal surgery, endoscopic management of retrosternal goiters, complex fistula repair, and minimally invasive procedures. These achievements reflect his continued involvement in surgical education, clinical research, and the dissemination of knowledge within the surgical community. His advanced qualifications in Minimal Access Surgery, bariatric surgery, and robotic surgery further demonstrate his commitment to ongoing professional development and the adoption of evolving surgical techniques.
Strengths Supporting Dr. Nikesh M. Gandhi’s Nomination for the Best Innovator Award
1. Innovation in Minimally Invasive Surgical Techniques
Dr. Nikesh M. Gandhi demonstrates a strong commitment to surgical innovation through his clinical expertise in laparoscopic, endoscopic, bariatric, and robotic surgery. His contribution to Endoscopic Superficial Parotidectomy—Our First Venture reflects his involvement in exploring alternative surgical approaches that may improve cosmetic outcomes and expand minimally invasive treatment options. His broader interest in endoscopic thyroid and parathyroid surgery further highlights his commitment to advancing surgical techniques.
2. Contribution to Novel Surgical Approaches
His research and clinical interests encompass innovative approaches to complex surgical conditions, including retrosternal goiter management, colorectal cancer surgery, and recurrent rectovaginal fistula repair. His engagement with alternative operative techniques demonstrates a willingness to explore new methods and contribute to the development of surgical practice. Such contributions provide a foundation for further clinical evaluation and refinement of minimally invasive procedures.
3. Advanced Expertise in Robotic and Technology-Assisted Surgery
Dr. Gandhi’s qualifications in Minimal Access Surgery, bariatric surgery, and robotic surgery reflect specialized training in contemporary surgical technologies. His FNB in Minimal Access Surgery, FIAGES, FALS Bariatric, and FALS Robotics qualifications demonstrate a progressive commitment to advanced surgical education. His interest in robotic surgery and technology-assisted procedures supports his potential to contribute to innovations aimed at improving surgical precision, procedural efficiency, and patient outcomes.
4. Research, Academic Contributions, and Knowledge Dissemination
His research portfolio includes peer-reviewed publications, textbook chapters, scientific conference presentations, and postgraduate research comparing mesh materials in inguinal hernia repair. His academic contributions span several surgical specialties, demonstrating interdisciplinary engagement with clinical problems and surgical solutions. Recognition at CG-ASICON 2018, where he secured third place in a paper presentation, further supports his involvement in scientific communication and professional knowledge exchange.
5. Commitment to Patient-Centred and Sustainable Surgical Innovation
Dr. Gandhi’s focus on minimally invasive techniques aligns with the broader goals of patient-centred surgical innovation. Appropriately selected minimally invasive procedures may offer benefits such as reduced incision size, improved cosmetic outcomes, and potentially faster recovery. His continuing interest in advanced laparoscopic, endoscopic, and robotic approaches provides a foundation for exploring safer, more effective, and resource-conscious surgical practices. Further comparative clinical and economic evaluations would help establish the extent of these benefits.