In 2022, Professor Prokar Dasgupta was named among the recipients of the Padma Shri, one of India's highest civilian honours. At the time of the announcement, he was based at King's Health Partners as Professor of Surgery and Urology. This article explains the Padma Shri award and the achievements in surgery and research that it recognises.
About the Padma awards
The Padma awards are announced each year by the Government of India to recognise distinguished contributions in fields such as medicine, science, the arts and public service. The Padma Shri is the fourth-highest civilian award in India. More information is available from the official Padma Awards website.
The standards of selection for the awards have risen steadily, reflecting the profile of recent recipients. Recipients are drawn from across India and from the Indian diaspora worldwide, and the awards are presented by the President of India at a ceremony in New Delhi.
A pioneer of robotic surgery
Professor Dasgupta was the first person to become Professor of Robotic Surgery at King's College London. He pioneered robotic urological surgery in the UK, and robotic surgery is now the standard approach for removing the prostate at experienced UK centres. Our robotic prostatectomy page explains how the operation is performed today.
In 2005, he was part of a team that used robotic surgery to remove a kidney for transplantation, one of the earliest operations of its kind in Britain.
The Dasgupta technique
Professor Dasgupta's research has also changed treatment for people who lose control of their bladder because of an overactive bladder. His work on injecting botulinum toxin, often known as Botox, into the bladder wall led to a method that has come to be known as the Dasgupta technique. It is now used to treat patients around the world. The treatment is usually given through a thin telescope passed into the bladder, often under local anaesthetic, and can be repeated when its effect wears off. For many people with an overactive bladder that has not responded to medicines, it offers a significant improvement in quality of life.
A prolific researcher
He has published more than 800 peer-reviewed papers. His research has covered robotic surgery, surgical training and simulation, bladder conditions and prostate cancer. Much of it has been carried out with engineers and computer scientists, bringing new technology into the operating theatre. You can read more about his research and academic roles on the achievements page.
Leading a major journal
In 2020, Professor Dasgupta completed nearly a decade as Editor-in-Chief of the British Journal of Urology International, a journal with a history of more than 90 years. During that time it became one of the most widely read surgical journals online. The British Journal of Urology International continues to publish research across all areas of urology.
Part of a wider recognition
The Padma Shri sits alongside other honours, including the St Peter's Medal from the British Association of Urological Surgeons. Our article on The Indian Practitioner profile gives a fuller account of his career and awards, and his roles and background page sets out his clinical, research and leadership roles.
What it means for patients
Awards recognise past achievements, but they also reflect a long commitment to improving care. For patients, the most relevant point is that Professor Dasgupta's research and clinical work have helped shape the treatments now offered for prostate cancer and bladder problems.
His biography describes his training and experience in more detail, from medical school in Kolkata to specialist training at Guy's Hospital and the Institute of Urology.
To arrange a consultation with Professor Dasgupta, please contact the clinic.