Kuwait achieves milestone in robotic surgery with remote prostatectomy
KUWAIT: The Ministry of Health on Wednesday announced a groundbreaking achievement in the country's medical sector with the successful completion of a radical prostatectomy using robotic-assisted remote surgery technology. The operation, performed using the MEDBOT surgical robot, underscores Kuwait's growing expertise in advanced surgical techniques and its commitment to innovation in healthcare.
In a press statement, the Ministry said the operation was carried out at the Sabah Al-Ahmad Kidney and Urology Center in the Al-Sabah Specialized Medical District. The patient, a man in his sixties diagnosed with a localized cancerous tumor in the prostate, was operated on remotely by Kuwaiti consultant and head of the Surgery Department Dr Saad Al-Dosari, who led the procedure from Strasbourg, France — approximately 5,000 kilometers away.
The medical team inside Sabah Al-Ahmad Kidney Center during surgery.- KUNA photos
Live broadcast of surgery.
The pioneering procedure was broadcast live during the opening session of the World Robot Surgeons Conference in Strasbourg, attended by around 2,500 surgeons and medical professionals from across the globe. Minister of Health Dr Ahmad Al-Awadhi attended the event to support the Kuwaiti medical team and reaffirm the Ministry's dedication to fostering global excellence in healthcare. During his remarks at the conference, Dr Al-Awadhi stressed that the achievement highlights the capabilities of Kuwaiti medical professionals on the international stage. He reiterated the Ministry's commitment to adopting cutting-edge surgical technologies and providing an environment that empowers national medical talent.
The Ministry noted that this was the ninth remote robotic surgery successfully performed in Kuwait under the leadership of Dr Al-Dosari and his team. Eight similar procedures were completed over the past six months, including surgeries performed by Dr Al-Dosari from Shanghai, China, for patients in Kuwait. This latest accomplishment marks a significant advancement for Kuwait's healthcare sector, placing the country among global leaders in robotic and remote surgery. It also reflects the ongoing efforts of the Ministry of Health to harness modern medical technologies in service of the Kuwaiti people and position the country as a regional and global model for healthcare excellence.
Leadership congratulates team
Meanwhile, His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah sent two congratulatory cables on Wednesday to Minister of Health Dr Ahmad Abdulwahab Al-Awadhi and Dr Saad Abdulhadi Al-Dosari, commending them and the specialized medical team on the successful completion of nine high-precision remote robotic surgeries. His Highness the Amir lauded the achievement as a historic and commendable milestone that highlights the professionalism of Kuwaiti medical cadres and the nation's ability to keep pace with cutting-edge advancements in global healthcare. He prayed to Allah Almighty to grant continued success to all those involved in serving Kuwait and raising its profile in international medical arenas.
His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah also sent two cables of congratulations to Dr Al-Awadhi and Dr Al-Dosari, applauding the medical team for the distinguished accomplishment that places Kuwait at the forefront of advanced surgical innovation. Similarly, His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah extended his heartfelt congratulations to Dr Al-Awadhi, Dr Al-Dosari, and the entire team for their global medical success, wishing them further progress and continued excellence in the service of the nation. — KUNA
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