Mediclinic Middle East Launches Robotic Programme

Dubai: Mediclinic Middle East announces that it has implemented Robotic Surgery at Mediclinic City Hospital using the da Vinci Xi HD 4 arm robotic system, one of the most sophisticated laparoscopic surgical technologies available. This programme will complement and enhance its current comprehensive general surgery and laparoscopic surgery services, and will offer the service to patients from across the UAE and wider MENA region.

Da Vinci robotic surgery is a state-of-the-art surgical procedure in which the conventional laparoscopic technique is combined with high precision robotic technology using four robotic arms which are expertly commanded by the surgeon from the surgical console using a 3D high-definition view of the surgical area. Articulated instruments allow the same movement capacity as the human wrist and the tremor filter eliminates any small uncontrollable movement in the surgeon’s hands. Minimally invasive surgery with da Vinci is widely used in urology and gynaecology procedures, and in several other procedures, too.

Globally, Mediclinic already has extensive experience in robotic surgery using the da Vinci robotic system, with the technology in place since 2005 in Hirslanden, Mediclinic Middle East’s sister division in Switzerland, where they have carried out over 1,000 da Vinci interventions, and in Mediclinic Southern Africa since 2014.

Mediclinic City Hospital was selected as the hub for Mediclinic Middle East’s robotic programme because it is already a market leader in the provision of advanced laparoscopic surgery across a number of specialities, and the introduction of robotics is a natural and logical fit with the existing clinical capabilities of the hospital, specifically in General Surgery, Gynaecology and Urology. As a leading tertiary care facility, it has an established programme infrastructure to support a surgical robot and has recruited a cohort of consultants, unmatched by any other hospital in the UAE in the scope of their training and experience in performing robotic surgery.

Mediclinic City Hospital was also the first hospital in the UAE to offer robotic-assisted total/partial knee replacement surgery and has quickly built a strong reputation in this area, demonstrating the ability of the hospital to adopt new technologies and deliver measurable benefits.

The implementation of the Robotic Programme will support the goal of Mediclinic City Hospital to be recognised as a Centre of Excellence for minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Roger Gergy, Consultant General Surgeon at Mediclinic City Hospital says, “With the purchase of da Vinci Xi, Mediclinic City Hospital will provide state of the art minimal invasive surgery across different specialities such as General Surgery, Gynaecology, Urology, Paediatrics and Thoracic.”

Jamal Abdulsalam, CEO, Dubai Healthcare City Authority, said, “The launch of the Mediclinic Middle East Robotic Surgery Programme in Dubai Healthcare City strengthens the innovative, specialised services offered in the free zone. Mediclinic City Hospital has over the years brought advanced treatments across various specialities. We at DHCC along with our clinical partners are proud to contribute to the country’s position as one of the leading healthcare markets in the Middle East.”

The benefits of robotic surgery include less postoperative discomfort, smaller incisions with less damaged tissue, fewer scars and lower risk of bleeding and infections. The patient is able to return to their daily activities quickly and safely, with a shorter hospital stay and recovery time.