The Institute of kidney diseases to bring robotic surgery to KP

The Institute of Kidney Diseases at Hayatabad Medical Complex has taken a major step toward introducing robotic surgery in KP.

During an event, two robotic surgeries were performed by visiting doctors, Prof. Mateen Sheriff, director of Robotic Surgery at West Kent Urology Cancer Centre, and Dr. Javed Burki, consultant urological surgeon at the same hospital from UK.

The robot-assisted minimally invasive surgery uses robotic arms controlled from a console, offering surgeons greater precision and flexibility through small incisions compared with traditional techniques. 

IKD Director Dr. Kamran Khan told media that the institute has submitted a proposal to the Board of Governors and the provincial government to purchase a surgical robot, estimated to cost around $1 million and to extend Sehat Card Plus coverage to robotic procedures.

He said the company supplying the robot transported the system from Karachi to Peshawar free of charge for the workshop and will assist in training local surgeons and support staff.

Dr. Kamran claimed IKD’s surgeons, already experienced in laparoscopic procedures, can gain proficiency in robotic techniques with training. It is initially focusing on complicated tumour cases before expanding to a wider range of surgeries.

Urologist Dr. Rizwanullah Kundi, who participated in the workshop, said the two patients operated on for kidney masses and tumours by robotic method, are recovering well. 

Moreover, he said that the advanced technology could eventually enable surgeons to perform procedures with greater comfort and help lay the groundwork for robot-assisted transplants in Pakistan.