Surgeons achieve greater precision, accuracy in bariatric surgery using thin robotic arms
Abu Dhabi: A 24-year-old Emirati man, who weighed 120kg, has successfully lost 35kg following robotic-assisted bariatric surgery at a hospital in Abu Dhabi.
The procedure was performed by the team at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC) using an advanced surgical system that provides surgeons a computer-guided, magnified 3D view, enabling minimally invasive surgeries with smaller incisions. Using thin robotic arms, surgeons can achieve greater precision and accuracy during the procedure.
Morbid obesity
Abdulla Alqattan, who struggled with morbid obesity and had a BMI of about 42, is now relieved after undergoing surgery and post-operative care. This led to a weight loss of 35kg in just four months.
“I am happy and grateful to the doctors and the hospital for making this advanced technology available here. After the surgery, I am able to live a more normal life,” Alqattan, who now weighs 85kg, told Gulf News.
When Alqattan first arrived at the hospital, his condition included morbid obesity, fatty liver disease, hypercholesterolemia, and chronic back and knee pain. He was assessed at the outpatient obesity clinic, where he underwent comprehensive preoperative evaluations.
1-hour-long process
A multidisciplinary team is mandatory for bariatric procedures at the hospital. So, a team of bariatric surgeons, nutritionists, psychologists, internal medicine specialists, endocrinologists, and anaesthesiologists reviewed his case before recommending robotic-assisted sleeve gastrectomy.
“The patient’s procedure, which lasted about one hour, was followed by early ambulation and fluid intake within a few hours, with discharge the following morning after a comprehensive assessment and patient education session by our team. The patient reported no pain, nausea, or vomiting at the time of discharge,” said Dr Mohammed Abdallah, consultant bariatric and general surgeon.
Precision and control
Elaborating on the advantages of robot-assisted surgery, Dr Abdallah noted that the advanced system provides an enhanced view of the stomach and surrounding organs, enabling greater precision and control during surgery.
“Compared to conventional laparoscopic procedures, robotic bariatric surgery offers quicker recovery, reduced pain and scarring, faster return to routine, fewer complications, lower infection rates, shorter hospital stays, significantly lower rates of gastrointestinal leaks, and a reduced need for follow-up surgery,” Dr Abdallah underlined.
After discharge, Alqattan’s recovery took about two weeks before he resumed his normal activities.
“The patient consistently attended our bariatric, nutrition, and medical clinics. Four months after the procedure, Alqattan had lost 35 kg, showing significant improvements in his overall health, including the resolution of back and joint pain, increased exercise tolerance, and improved cholesterol and fatty liver profiles,” Dr Abdallah added.
Source: Gulf News
