Abu Dhabi based Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC), UAE’s largest complex care hospital had its surgeons perform a robot-assisted surgery in partnership with Mayo Clinic and Abu Dhabi Health Service Company (SEHA). This was the centre’s first robotic surgery. The surgery was associated with launching of comprehensive robotic surgery programme at SSMC to enable minimally invasive procedures at the centre and ensure improved outcomes clinically.

Dr. Matthew Gettman, Chief Medical Officer at SSMC, and first surgeon to master robotic surgery with United States based Mayo Clinic said, “We are extremely proud to perform our first robotic surgery so soon after opening SSMC. This is a major achievement in SSMC’s journey towards being a destination for complex care, and complements Abu Dhabi’s efforts in positioning itself as an international healthcare hub, and it is a testament to the benefit of the partnership between SEHA and Mayo Clinic.”

“Leveraging Mayo Clinic’s knowledge and expertise, and SEHA’s legacy in the UAE, our experienced and highly trained surgical teams will significantly improve patient outcomes and elevate the standards of care in the UAE and beyond,”   he added.

The patient on which surgery was performed was suffering from ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction. UPJ obstruction is blockage of ureter, tube which carries urine from kidneys to the bladder. This condition can cause pain, infection and sepsis, and can impair kidney’s functions if left untreated. The team for robotic surgery was led by Dr. Sarfraz Ahmad, urology consultant at SSMC, who performed robot assisted pyeloplasty to correct the obstruction and restore kidney drainage.

Dr. Ahmad said, “The instruments used in robotic surgery provide surgeons with magnified, 3D high definition vision, more comfortable use of instruments and easier access to areas that would’ve been difficult to reach using conventional methods. The patient also benefitted from low risk of post-operative complications and a faster recovery.”

Dr. Ahmad further explained that apart from robotic surgery being offered to the SSMC patients, the surgical team also utilizes Enhanced Recovery after Surgery protocols which ensures better clinical outcomes. He says, “By combining robotic and Enhanced Recovery after Surgery approaches, the patient’s experience is dramatically improved. The approach leads to faster recovery, early discharge from the hospital, and a reduced risk of complications and readmission.”

Dr. Ahmad added, “Our patient’s surgery went very smoothly. In addition to good pain control, our young patient was walking the day after the operation and discharged home the following day.”

The first robotic surgery marks launching of comprehensive robotic surgery program at SSMC. The program is planned to expand to other specialties over time. Dr. Ahmad said that surgeons at SSMC go through extensive training as per the international standards and the criteria of da Vinci robotic surgical system.

Dr. Ahmad explained, “The training program aims to optimize each surgeon’s proficiency by developing their knowledge and skills to use da Vinci technology. In addition to a simulation-driven and surgeon-led education series focused on clinical application, advanced techniques and procedure refinement.”

WAM