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Al Qassimi Hospital pioneers robotic surgery for children in UAE

Sharjah: Al Qassimi Women’s and Children’s Hospital, part of Emirates Health Services, has successfully performed the UAE’s first series of robotic surgeries on children, marking a major milestone in specialised paediatric care and surgical innovation. Dr Safiya Al Khaja, Director of Al Qassimi Women’s and Children’s Hospital, said the achievement represents a significant step in advancing specialised healthcare services and reflects Emirates Health Services’ commitment to innovation, clinical excellence, and patient-centred care. She noted that the adoption of advanced robotic surgical technology enables medical teams to carry out complex procedures with high levels of precision, flexibility, and control. Dr Khalid Khalfan, Consultant Paediatric Surgeon and Deputy Hospital Director for Medical Affairs, said the integration of robotic surgery into paediatric services demonstrates the hospital’s commitment to offering the latest global medical advancements. He explained that the technology provides safer, less invasive treatment options and improves surgical outcomes. The procedures were performed by Dr Mohammed Hassan, Consultant Paediatric Surgeon, in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team that included anaesthetists, paediatric surgical nurses, and support staff, reflecting the hospital’s integrated approach to patient care. Dr Hassan said robotic surgery allows surgeons to operate with exceptional accuracy in small and complex anatomical areas, using three-dimensional visualisation systems and precision instruments that replicate human hand movements. The first series of procedures included complex gastrointestinal and paediatric urology surgeries, all of which were completed successfully with positive clinical outcomes and smooth patient recovery. This milestone comes amid growing global adoption of robotic-assisted surgery, particularly for minimally invasive and reconstructive procedures that require advanced precision. Through this initiative, Al Qassimi Women’s and Children’s Hospital continues to strengthen its position as a leading centre for paediatric robotic surgery while advancing medical education, research, and innovation in child healthcare.