Doha: Sidra Medicine has launched the pediatric robotic surgery program to perform and instruct its pediatric surgical doctors on the latest surgical techniques.

The program is designed to ensure Sidra Medicine practitioners can offer the best and the safest medical care to patients in Qatar and the region.

This dedicated pediatric robotic program is the first of its kind in the Middle East and includes an interactive robotic platform that can be used by the teacher and student simultaneously. During the training, surgical residents practice complex surgical tasks through tiny incisions using robotic technology.

Compared to traditional open surgery, robotic surgery results in less pain and scarring and shorter recovery times for patients. The goal of this program is to perform surgeries and instruct participants from all pediatric surgical disciplines and departments at Sidra Medicine and participants from other healthcare organizations.

“Majority of patients around the world are still being offered open surgery, despite all the advantages of minimally-invasive surgery, because of a gap in skills to operate robots like the Da Vinci machines we have at Sidra Medicine,” said Dr Mansour Ali, Vice-Chair of Pediatric Surgery at Sidra Medicine. “Our training program offers the opportunity to develop this knowledge to the talented residents in Qatar and from across the Middle East.”

Dr Ali added: “Medical education is a key pillar in Sidra Medicine’s mission to advance healthcare in Qatar and the region. The pediatric robotics program allows healthcare practitioners access to the latest technology and best practices to ensure that our surgical resident doctors gain the necessary practical skills in a safe environment meant to foster learning and growth.”

Peter Morris, CEO at Sidra Medicine said: “Technology is transforming the way medicine is practised, allowing patients, particularly children, to undergo life-changing treatments with lower risks and faster healing times. Sidra Medicine is committed to delivering best practice medical care, safely and efficiently to the children of Qatar and the region.”

Sidra Medicine is home to two Da Vinci surgical robots which facilitate complex surgery using a minimally invasive approach. The robots are connected to a wide vision screen which allows doctors to perform highly precise procedures such as pyeloplasty.

The robots are able to provide doctors with a magnified 3D image, giving them a complete overview of the area that will undergo surgery. To date, surgeries at Sidra Medicine that have been conducted using the innovative technology included pyeloplasty – the surgical reconstruction or revision of the renal pelvis to drain and decompress the kidney – and cholecystectomy – the surgical removal of the gall bladder.