Medical experts at Islamabad’s largest public-sector hospital, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims), performed a robotic surgery using the Toumai surgical robot on Thursday.

Robot-assisted surgery has significantly advanced urology — medical speciality that deals with the urinary system. It offers superior precision, reduced invasiveness, and improved clinical outcomes compared to traditional techniques. The Toumai system integrates force sensing, high-frequency response capabilities, and telerobotic surgery capabilities.

The robotic surgery at Pims was performed by both local and international medical experts, including Prof Shamim Khan, Prof Mateen Sharif and Dr Javed Burki from the UK, while the surgical team from Pims included Dr Atif Inam Shami, Dr Burhan ul Haq, and Dr Khalid Saeed.

Executive Director Pims Dr Rana Imran Sikander said it was the first time a robotic surgery was performed at the hospital.

During the surgery, the adrenal glands of a female patient were removed.

Pims spokesperson Dr Mubashir Daha explained that adrenal glands are located at the top of the kidney; they produce hormones to regulate metabolism, the immune system, and blood pressure, as well as control the stress response.

A 70-year-old female patient was diagnosed with a confirmed left adrenal pheochromocytoma, which was causing episodes of high blood pressure, palpitations, sweating, and headaches due to excessive hormone secretion.

She underwent a left robotic adrenalectomy to remove the tumour. The surgery is expected to eliminate the source of excess hormones, help stabilise her blood pressure, relieve her symptoms, and improve her quality of life.

According to ED Dr Imran, the patient is expected to be discharged in a few days.

“This was a robot brought by the team from the UK; we also intend to buy a robot to start this surgery in our hospital,” Dr Imran added. He said doctors from the general surgery and urology departments also participated in the surgery.

Moreover, he said the new technology will enable patients to recover faster, experience less pain, and witness improved surgical results.

Speaking to the media, Director of Robotic Surgery at Pims, Prof Mateen Sharif, said it marked the beginning of a “new chapter” in Pakistan’s healthcare system. He said that the robot was manufactured in China, claiming the mission was to expand robotic surgery across the country.

Meanwhile, a workshop on robotic surgery is being held at Pims. It is led by Prof Dr Atif Inam Shami, with the surgery being conducted by Prof Mateen Shareef and Dr Javed Burki from the UK.