Pakistani doctors conduct first successful robotic surgery for weight loss

In a groundbreaking development, the doctors at Karachi's Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center (JPMC) successfully performed Pakistan's first robotic surgery to combat obesity in a diabetic patient.

The free-of-cost procedure involved reducing the size of the stomach and adjusting the large intestine to improve digestion.

Following the successful operation, now patients may not require diabetic medications or insulin. 

Research suggests that the procedure can lead to complete diabetes remission in up to 70% of cases.

A team of doctors led by Dr Professor Shahid Rasool performed an hour-long operation on a 45-year-old woman weighing 140 kg.

Dr Rasool explained that after surgery, the patient could even get rid of their diabetes altogether, which would eliminate the need for medication or insulin.

Medical experts emphasise that obesity is the root cause of many diseases. This successful robotic surgery offers new hope for overcoming obesity and potentially reversing diabetes in Pakistan.

Since opening in September 2023, JPMC has performed over 135 robotic surgeries in urology, gynecology, and general surgery.

The government-run health facility conducted specialised training sessions and workshops for complex gynecological robotic surgeries.