KARACHI: Experts at a two-day international symposium organised at the Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT) discussed various aspects and benefits of robotic surgery and the need to make it more popular as it hastened the recovery process and helped minimise complications.

The event – the first-ever symposium on robotic surgery in Pakistan – was attended by leading surgeons from the US and the UK, and Pakistani professionals.

It also marked the milestone of over 1,200 successful procedures at the SIUT’s robotic unit, which opened this year.

Speaking at a session, SIUT director Prof Adib Rizvi said robotic surgery was another step forward by dedicated local experts, who were not only successfully performing state-of-the-art surgical procedures, but also training fellow professionals across the country and region.

He reiterated SIUT’s resolve to keep abreast with the latest technology and ensure its availability to those who needed it. “The robotic unit is part of SIUT’s philosophy to provide health cover free of cost and without any discrimination,” he said.

The opening session was followed by a panel discussion by international and national experts in which they shared the evolution of robotic surgery and techniques in their respective countries.

Prof Babar Hasan of the SIUT spoke about diagnosis and prognostication of the Pakistani population through meaningful collaboration with international partners. He also highlighted how the SIUT was facilitating the transformation in healthcare practice.

The institution, he said, maintained simulation labs for imparting training in new surgical techniques for staff members as well as for professionals across Pakistan.

Taking part in a panel discussion, Dr Khursheed Guru of the US said the next breed of surgeons could adopt robotic surgery and achieve better outcomes in prostatic and lower urinary tract surgeries.

Dr Mark Slack from the UK complemented the SIUT on pioneering this new field of medical technology.

Others who also spoke included Dr Rehan Mohsin, Dr Arsalan Khan, Dr Riaz Leghari, Dr Shadab Khan and Junaid Khan -- all from the SIUT.

Published in Dawn, November 5th, 2022