Aga Khan Hospital performs region’s first robotic gallbladder surgery

The procedure, medically known as robotic-assisted laparoscopic cholecystectomy, uses robotic technology to assist surgeons in removing the gallbladder through small incisions.

Unlike fully automated systems, the robot does not perform the operation independently. The surgeon controls the camera and surgical instruments from a specialised console in the operating theatre.

Dr Abdulkarim Abdalla, Chair of the Hospital’s Department of Surgery, said the technology gives surgeons a three-dimensional view of the surgical field and greater flexibility in manipulating instruments.

“Robotic-assisted surgery builds on the benefits of conventional keyhole surgery by providing surgeons with a three-dimensional view of the surgical field, greater flexibility of movement, and improved access to areas that can be difficult to visualize using traditional techniques,” he said.

According to Dr Abdalla, the robotic instruments have a wider range of movement than conventional surgical instruments and can closely replicate the movements of the human hand.

“The robotic instruments have a greater range of movement and closely mimic the motions of the human hand, enabling greater precision and control during surgery. This allows us to perform procedures more safely,” he added.

Robotic-assisted surgery retains the established benefits of minimally invasive procedures, including smaller incisions, reduced post-operative pain, shorter hospital stays and faster recovery compared with open surgery.

The system may also be useful in more complex procedures by improving visibility and allowing surgeons to manipulate instruments in confined spaces.

AKUH,N CEO Rashid Khalani said the hospital plans to expand the use of robotic-assisted surgery while building capacity in surgical training and research.

“Since our inception, Aga Khan University Hospital has built a tradition of introducing many healthcare firsts for Kenya and the region. This latest milestone continues that legacy,” Khalani said.

The hospital said the gallbladder procedure is part of efforts to introduce robotic-assisted surgery to a wider range of patients and procedures.