SIUT hosts international symposium on robotic surgery, showcasing advances in precision medicine

KARACHI: Two-day international symposium on robotic surgery, hosted by Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT) opened today , bringing together renowned surgeons and medical specialists from across the globe. The event focuses on advancing robotic surgical expertise, emphasizing the need for collaboration and resource-sharing to expand access to minimally invasive surgical techniques in Pakistan and beyond.

The opening day of the symposium featured panel discussions, hands-on training, and expert-led sessions on cutting-edge robotic technology. Internationally acclaimed surgeons highlighted the precision, efficiency, and improved patient outcomes associated with robotic surgery.

SIUT: Pioneering Robotic Surgery in Pakistan

SIUT has been at the forefront of robotic surgical advancements in Pakistan since 2017, starting its program with a Da Vinci robotic system at Civil Hospital Karachi. Over the years, the institution has successfully performed more than 600 robotic procedures.

In 2021, SIUT took a major leap forward by establishing the Kassim Parekh Robotic and Laparoscopy Unit, equipped with the Versius robotic surgical system. Since its inception, the unit has successfully conducted over 2,000 robotic surgeries in urology, hepatobiliary, and colorectal specialties, setting a new benchmark for minimally invasive surgery in the region.

Global Experts Share Insights on Robotic Surgery

The symposium featured distinguished speakers, including:

Prof. Khurshid Guru (USA) – Discussed robotic pelvic surgery, showcasing its ability to enhance surgical accuracy and reduce patient recovery time.
Dr. Nauman Zaffar (Pakistan) – Examined the cost-effectiveness and feasibility of robotic surgery in Pakistan’s public sector hospitals, emphasizing its long-term benefits for the healthcare system.
Prof. Adeel Khan (University of Washington, USA) – Presented insights on robotic liver transplantation, highlighting how robotic technology is revolutionizing complex surgical procedures.
The event also included a panel discussion featuring experts such as Rehan Mohsin (SIUT, Pakistan), C. Mallikarjuna (India), and Pranjul Modi (India), who shared their experiences in robotic surgical advancements across different medical fields.

Diverse International Participation

Surgeons and healthcare professionals from various countries contributed to the symposium, including:

USA: Badar Mian, Arsalan Khan, Aimal Khan, Ghulam Abbas, and Goa Linda
Kuwait: Saad Aldousari
Pakistan: Naresh Kumar, Harris Qureshi, Shahid Rasool, Shadab Khan, and Samia Malik

These experts provided valuable insights into robotic surgery applications in urology, hepatobiliary, general, and gynecological surgery, reinforcing the potential of robotic-assisted procedures in enhancing surgical precision and patient safety.

Transforming Healthcare Through Robotic Surgery

The rapid adoption of robotic technology in surgical procedures is revolutionizing the global healthcare landscape. With robotic surgery offering greater precision, reduced surgical trauma, and faster recovery times, experts at the symposium emphasized the need for increased accessibility to these life-saving techniques in Pakistan’s healthcare system.

SIUT's commitment to advancing robotic surgery and training the next generation of surgeons solidifies its position as a leader in surgical innovation. As the demand for minimally invasive procedures grows, collaborations, technological advancements, and knowledge-sharing will be essential in expanding robotic surgical expertise across Pakistan and beyond.