KEY POINTS
- Pakistan has completed its first international telerobotic surgery
- Surgeons in Kuwait perform gynecological operation on patient in Karachi
- The procedure was carried out using high-speed internet and robotic technology.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has achieved a major breakthrough in medical technology with the successful completion of its first international telerobotic surgery, marking the country’s entry into cross-border robotic healthcare services.
The procedure, a gynaecological operation, was performed at Lyari General Hospital in Karachi, while surgeons based in Kuwait operated the robotic system from a distance of around 1,600 kilometres.
This marked the first time a surgical operation in Pakistan was conducted through real-time international telesurgery.
According to hospital officials, the surgery was carried out using an internet speed of 30 megabytes per second, with a recorded delay of just 30 microseconds between the surgeon’s command and the robot’s response, ensuring precision and safety throughout the operation.
Robotic surgery reduces costs
Sindh Health Minister Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho said robotic surgery significantly reduces costs and risks for patients.
While the average cost of such procedures is around PKR 400,000, surgeries at Lyari General Hospital are being performed at approximately PKR 150,000. Consultant Gynaecologist Oncologist Dr Anjum Rehman said three to four robotic surgeries are currently being conducted daily.
Surgery requires small incisions
Explaining the technology, Dr Rehman said robotic surgery requires only small incisions through which cameras and instruments are inserted, enabling procedures such as tumour removal, kidney and gastrointestinal surgeries, and gynaecological operations.
She noted that robotic surgery halves operating time compared to laparoscopic procedures and significantly lowers the risk of infection, blood loss, and complications.
Surgeons can operate from anywhere in world
Director of the company supplying the robotic system, Abdul Rehman, said the key advantage of telerobotic surgery is that surgeons can operate from anywhere without travelling.
He added that the system requires a minimum internet speed of 30 megabytes per second, which is already available on existing networks.
With the future introduction of 5G services in Pakistan, he expressed confidence that the technology would become even more effective.
