RIYADH: King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSHRC) in Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh, has performed a successful robotic Ivor Lewis esophagectomy on a 46-year-old male suffering from esophageal cancer.
According to a press release from the KFSHRC, a 46-year-old male patient who underwent advanced robotic surgery regained mobility within two days, resumed oral intake by the fifth day, and was discharged within 10 days.
This swift recovery highlights the advantages of robotic-assisted surgery in reducing postoperative pain, minimising complications, and accelerating healing compared to traditional surgical methods.
The complex procedure was led by Dr. Khalid Aldaghri, a consultant in bariatric, upper gastrointestinal, and robotic surgery at KFSHRC.
It was performed using the Ivor Lewis technique, a highly intricate operation consisting of two stages.
In the abdominal phase, the surgical team mobilised the stomach and created a gastric conduit.
This was followed by the thoracic phase, during which the diseased portion of the esophagus was removed and the gastric conduit was precisely connected within the chest cavity.
The use of advanced robotic technology allowed surgeons to access deep anatomical structures with exceptional precision and minimal invasiveness.
This not only improved patient safety and reduced surgical risks but also contributed to better clinical outcomes in one of the most challenging cancer procedures.
The advanced capabilities of robotic surgery greatly improved the safety and precision of the esophagectomy.
The system provided high-definition, three-dimensional visualisation, stable instrument control, and enhanced access to confined anatomical areas.
These features allowed for more accurate dissection, better preservation of critical structures such as nerves and blood vessels, and a reduction in intraoperative risks.
Additionally, the ergonomic design of the robotic platform eased physical strain on the surgeon, enabling greater efficiency and endurance during the lengthy and complex procedure.
“As a medical milestone, the success of this procedure opens the door to broader applications of robotic surgery at KFSHRC.
It enables more patients to benefit from advanced surgical techniques and reinforces the institution’s commitment to clinical innovation, safety, and effective alternatives to traditional surgical approaches,” according to the release.
King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSHRC) has been ranked first in the Middle East and Africa and 15th globally among the world’s top 250 Academic Medical Centres for 2025.
Additionally, Brand Finance named KFSHRC the most valuable healthcare brand in both Saudi Arabia and the Middle East in 2024.
The hospital was also featured in Newsweek’s 2025 list of the World’s Best Smart Hospitals, recognising its leadership in healthcare innovation and digital excellence.
