KAMC Mecca Doctors Make History in Medical Science

Web Desk: In a remarkable leap toward futuristic healthcare, King Abdullah Medical City (KAMC) in Makkah has successfully conducted its first high-precision robotic thoracic surgery using the advanced Da Vinci Xi surgical system — opening a new chapter in Saudi Arabia’s journey toward medical innovation.

According to Dr. Adel Tash, CEO of KAMC, the launch of robotic surgery services places the institution at the forefront of specialized healthcare in the Kingdom. “This is more than a successful surgery; it’s a milestone that sets the tone for the future of complex medical procedures in Saudi Arabia,” he stated in an interview.

The inaugural surgery involved a man in his 30s suffering from recurring air pockets in his chest due to cysts in the left lung. Utilizing the Da Vinci robot, surgeons skillfully removed the cysts and reattached the lung to the chest wall during a delicate 90-minute operation — all with minimal invasiveness.

The procedure was led by Dr. Muteb Al-Zaidi, a specialist in thoracic and gastrointestinal surgery, alongside Dr. Ayman Jaafar and a team of expert anesthetists and nurses.

What makes the Da Vinci system stand out is its ability to convert a surgeon’s hand movements into ultra-fine, precise actions, aided by a high-definition 3D camera. Unlike traditional methods requiring large incisions, this robotic surgery involved just a single incision under 1 cm, dramatically reducing pain, bleeding, and recovery time.

Dr. Tash emphasized that KAMC is committed to leveraging cutting-edge medical technologies to enhance the quality of life for patients and provide world-class healthcare aligned with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

The Da Vinci Xi system — named after the Renaissance genius Leonardo da Vinci, renowned for his anatomical sketches and early mechanical inventions — features three main components: the surgeon console, patient cart, and vision cart. Though robotic, it is entirely controlled by a human surgeon.

Following its successful use in thoracic surgery, the system was also employed in a complex case of uterine cancer, where the patient was safely discharged within 24 hours.

KAMC now plans to extend the use of robotic surgery across various disciplines, including urology, cardiac surgery, gastrointestinal procedures, bariatric surgery, and more. The hospital also aims to invest in virtual reality training, smart analytics, and AI-driven tools to further improve surgical precision and patient outcomes.

With this advancement, KAMC has positioned itself as a regional leader in robotic surgery, setting the benchmark for next-generation healthcare in the Middle East.

Source: Arab News