(September 11, 2025) In May 2025, a remarkable feat from Chennai made headlines in the world of medicine. Dr. Surakshith Battina performed the world’s largest laparoscopic uterus removal—4.5 kilograms, earning himself a coveted place in the Guinness World Records. The procedure not only surpassed the 4.1 kg record set by his late mentor, Dr. Rakesh Sinha, in 2009 but also redefined what many thought was possible through minimally invasive gynecology.
This was not his first brush with international recognition. Earlier, a video of his pioneering laparoscopic fetal extraction surgery had gone viral on YouTube, amassing more than three million views. The groundbreaking procedure even found its way into pop culture when it was referenced in Season 6 of Netflix’s The Good Doctor. “It proved that excellence transcends boundaries,” Dr. Battina reflects in a chat with Global Indian. Affectionately nicknamed “Dr. Baby Maker,” the physician believes innovation in medicine extends far beyond the operating theater.
Silver screen possibilities to surgical precision
Standing tall at 6 ‘2, Dr Surakshith Battina is often mistaken for a model or actor. In fact, he briefly dipped his toes into the world of modeling during his student years and was approached for acting roles as early as the 10th grade. The path to cinema seemed almost natural as after all, he is the grandson of Telugu film legend Sobhan Babu, who starred in over 200 films over a career that spanned three decades.
But glamour was not the direction he chose. “Cinema fascinated me, but medicine fulfilled me,” he says with quiet conviction. While the doors of Tollywood stood wide open for him, it was his father, Dr. Sarat Battina, a pioneer in fertility medicine with more than 35 years of work behind him—who showed him what true impact looked like. Watching his father transform the lives of struggling couples gave Surakshith a vision of legacy and purpose that fame alone could never equal.
Breaking the Guinness World Record
The patient who cemented his world record was a 44-year-old woman battling years of chronic pain due to a massive fibroid. Most surgeons had turned her away, recommending open surgery because of the size and complexity of the case. She came to Dr. Battina seeking an alternative, and he gave her just that.
“The surgery required meticulous planning, advanced energy devices, and years of accumulated expertise,” he recalls. What followed was a triumph of skill and courage: a 4.5 kg uterus successfully removed laparoscopically. For him, the record was not just about pushing boundaries, but about proving that minimally invasive surgery could be done safely even in massive cases.
It was also deeply personal. The record he broke belonged to his mentor, Dr. Rakesh Sinha, who had trained him in advanced laparoscopy. “Surpassing the record set by Dr. Sinha is both an honour and an emotional milestone. There is a sense of regret that he is not here to witness it,” he says.
Indigo Women’s Center: A vision in action
In 2016, Dr. Battina founded Indigo Women’s Centre in Anna Nagar, Chennai, with the goal of delivering world-class, ethical, and patient-centric healthcare to women. What began as his vision has since grown into one of India’s most respected institutions in women’s health, offering comprehensive care from menarche to menopause.
The centre also houses one of the country’s most competitive fellowship programs in laparoscopy and fertility, nurturing the next generation of gynecologists. It is among the few centres in India to introduce advanced cosmetic gynecology procedures, using technologies such as Femilift and Emsella. Femilift addresses post-childbirth and menopause-related issues, while Emsella provides a non-invasive solution for incontinence, significantly improving intimate health and quality of life.
“Why should women in Chennai settle for anything less than what’s available in London or New York? Excellence shouldn’t have a postal code,” he insists.
Bringing global standards home
Dr. Battina has consistently brought international innovations into Indian healthcare. He was the first to introduce a true 3D laparoscopic system in Chennai, which not only enhanced surgical precision but also dramatically reduced anesthesia time and recovery periods for patients. His initiatives also include bringing HIFEM technology and CO₂ lasers for non-surgical management of stress urinary incontinence, further closing the gap between Indian and global standards.
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Alongside running Indigo, he continues to serve as faculty at training centers like ceMast, Johnson & Johnson, and Medtronic, ensuring his knowledge benefits surgeons across India.
Mentorship and global training
Much of Dr. Battina’s surgical philosophy was shaped by his time under Dr. Rakesh Sinha, whose emphasis on precision suturing and energy modulation became his guiding principles. His training continued across Europe and the UK, where he expanded his expertise in specialized areas. In the UK, he trained under Dr. Alexander Bader, who opened new horizons in cosmetic gynecology. In France, he learned advanced endometriosis surgery under Dr. Horace Roman. In oncology, he sharpened his skills under Dr. Dipak Limbachiya.
“Each mentor left an indelible mark, creating a surgical approach that is meticulous, evidence-based, and unfailingly patient-centered,” he reflects.
The Sobhan Babu legacy
Growing up as Sobhan Babu’s grandson carried both pride and responsibility. “His humility and discipline despite his stardom taught me that greatness is measured not by fame, but by how you touch lives,” says Dr. Battina.
The legendary actor, admired by millions, was at home a gentle, grounded man. “He commanded respect without raising his voice. Even at the height of his stardom, he would come home every weekend to spend time with us, asking about school, correcting our posture, reminding us to speak limited but assertive,” Dr. Battina recalls.
Even today, at international medical conferences, people fondly remember Sobhan Babu, weaving together the family’s cinematic legacy with the doctor’s medical mission.
The voice that inspires
As a TEDx speaker, Dr. Battina has the rare ability to turn complex medical concepts into clear, relatable messages. His talks on women’s health, time management, and motivation have resonated far beyond medical audiences, sparking important conversations nationwide.
On Instagram, where he has over 194,000 followers, he uses short videos and posts to make science simple and accessible. This digital outreach has earned him recognition as one of India’s most dynamic medical educators.
Dr. Baby Maker: Enhancing infertility treatment
Fondly called “Dr. Baby Maker” on social media, Dr. Battina embraces the title with humour. “We make babies in a lab through a process called ICSI, so I thought it would make a catchy Instagram handle,” he says.
ICSI, or Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection, is an advanced form of IVF where a single sperm is injected directly into an egg under a microscope. While he is well-versed in assisted reproduction, he remains deeply committed to addressing root causes of infertility such as PCOS, fibroids, and endometriosis.
“IVF is just one chapter in the story. My real pride is in helping women conceive naturally after addressing the underlying conditions,” he emphasizes. To date, more than 1,500 couples have found hope through his expertise.
Early life and education
Born in Chennai, Surakshith Battina attended Don Bosco, where he excelled both in academics and extracurriculars, balancing basketball championships with cultural performances. His medical path began at Sri Ramachandra Medical University, where he pursued his MBBS between 2003 and 2009. He went on to earn his MD in Obstetrics and Gynecology from Annamalai University (2010–2013).
He later set up the reproductive medicine unit at Westminster Healthcare, serving as a consultant until 2018, before dedicating himself fully to Indigo Women’s Center.
Fitness as the foundation
For Dr. Battina, being a surgeon is as much about physical endurance as surgical expertise. “A surgeon must be an athlete. High-stress surgeries demand not just mental clarity but physical stamina,” he believes. His daily routine includes strength training, yoga, and meditation, supported by a protein-rich, balanced diet.
“A healthy surgeon makes for safe surgeries. When complications arise, fitness and discipline make the difference between success and setback,” he explains.
Life beyond medicine
Each day begins with a brisk morning walk, setting the tone for surgeries and consultations that dominate his mornings. Afternoons are devoted to training fellows, evenings to family and fitness, and nights to creating educational content for his social media audience.
When free, he indulges in mountain biking adventures, family travels, and watching thrillers or motivational biopics that fuel his journey of growth. “Everything I do outside the operating room prepares me for the moments when someone’s life hangs in the balance,” he says.
Building a global legacy
Looking to the future, Dr. Battina envisions Indigo Women’s Center evolving into a global hub for women’s healthcare. His ambition goes beyond building a hospital. It is about creating a movement that redefines how women’s health is perceived and practiced worldwide.
A strong focus on fellowship programs ensures that his vision will endure. “It’s about ensuring that the next generation of gynecologists are as technically skilled as they are compassionate in patient care,” he says, determined to leave a legacy that extends beyond his own achievements.
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