العربية

A Kingdom First in Robot-Assisted Surgery

Saudi Arabia’s first robotic-assisted hysterectomy using fluorescent dye takes place at Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare (JHAH)

Saudi Arabia’s first robotic-assisted hysterectomy using fluorescent dye takes place at JHAH“The precision achieved through the use of robotic-assisted surgery has multiple benefits for patients,” said Dr. Turky Al Rujaib, JHAH Gynecologic Oncologist, who along with Dr. Fahad Al Mulhim, Gynecologist , performed the procedure for endometrial cancer. “Women whose hysterectomies are robotic-assisted surgeries have less pain and blood loss; shorter hospital stays; require fewer narcotics and recovery more quickly.

“This successful operation could not have been done without the support of the JHAH robotic team,” said Dr. Al-Mulhim. “We are pleased to report the patient is recovering well. This is a tremendous achievement that going forward will improve the outcomes for many of our patients here at JHAH.” The robot’s “hands” have a high degree of dexterity, allowing surgeons the ability to operate in very tight spaces, for example the pelvis, that would otherwise only be accessible through open surgery with long incisions. Life after surgery is improved with this technique as there is minimal scaring, fewer postoperative complications and often a faster return to normal activities. 

JHAH’s robotic surgery program began in December 2016 when Dr. Tareq M. Al-Tartir, JHAH Subspecialist Surgeon and his team collaborated with Dr. Mohamad Allaf, Professor of Urology, Oncology and Biomedical Engineering at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine (JHSoM) and Director of Minimally Invasive Urology, and his team. They jointly conducted the first surgeries in the Kingdom using the da Vinci Xi Robotic Surgical System. The program has since expanded and includes gynecological surgeries and bariatric surgery.

Emergency Call 911 911