Karachi: Dr Ziauddin Hospital on Friday launched a robotic-assisted surgery programme, saying the service would support minimally invasive procedures in several specialties, including cancer, colorectal, urological, gynaecological and cardiac surgery.
Hospital officials said surgeons had been trained before the programme was introduced, although they did not disclose the number of trained surgeons, the type of robotic system installed, its cost, or when the first procedures would begin.
Robotic-assisted surgery is performed by a surgeon who controls robotic instruments from a console. It can provide a magnified three-dimensional view and greater precision in selected complex procedures, but it does not replace the surgeon and is not suitable for every patient or operation.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, Dr Asim Hussain, chairman of Dr Ziauddin Hospital, said the institution had invested in both technology and surgeon training before starting the programme.
He said advanced equipment alone could not improve care unless it was supported by trained teams and an operational system capable of using it safely.
Dr Ammad Hussain, chief executive of Dr Ziauddin Hospital, said robotic-assisted procedures represented the latest stage in the development of surgical care after conventional open and laparoscopic surgery.
He said the technology was expected to give surgeons greater control during selected procedures and could support quicker recovery for appropriately selected patients.
Dr Haris Rashid, chair of surgery at the hospital, said the programme would initially be available for procedures in general surgery, surgical oncology, colorectal surgery, urology, gynaecology and cardiac surgery.
He said robotic assistance could help surgeons undertake minimally invasive operations requiring delicate dissection, suturing and access to difficult anatomical areas.
Medical experts note that the benefits of robotic surgery can vary according to the procedure, the patient’s condition and the experience of the surgical team. While smaller incisions may reduce blood loss, pain and hospital stay in some cases, robotic systems are expensive and require specialised training, maintenance and careful patient selection.
The launch ceremony was attended by Professor Jim S. Khan, consultant surgeon at the University of Portsmouth in the United Kingdom, who spoke on developments in robotic surgery. Altug Ergin, vice president of MicroPort, discussed the role of precision in robotic-assisted procedures.
Prof Dr Abbas Zafar, dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at Ziauddin University, said the programme aimed to combine new surgical technology with clinical training and patient care.
The hospital said the initiative was part of its effort to expand access to minimally invasive surgery in the private healthcare sector.