A prominent public hospital in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, has taken a significant leap by introducing robotic surgery for the first time. Lady Reading Hospital (LRH) in Peshawar recently hosted a workshop where British and Pakistani surgeons performed live, technology-assisted operations, marking a milestone in the region’s medical advancements.
The event was organized by LRH’s urology unit in partnership with visiting specialists from the United Kingdom. During the workshop, surgical teams conducted complex procedures using robotic-assisted systems, which were broadcast live on large screens in the hospital auditorium to facilitate training and knowledge sharing.
Leading the operations were senior UK-based surgeon Prof Dr Mateen and Dr Azra Ghani, head of LRH’s urology unit. They demonstrated the use of precision instruments combined with high-definition imaging technology, showcasing the capabilities of robotic surgery.
Dr Ghani emphasized that the initiative aims to integrate cutting-edge medical innovations into the public healthcare sector. She stated that the goal is to provide patients with access to advanced treatment options locally, reducing the need to seek care elsewhere. Multiple procedures were performed during the workshop with the support of the visiting surgical team.
Hospital leadership, including the dean and medical director, pledged their commitment to expanding robotic surgery services and enhancing access to modern healthcare throughout the region. Robotic surgery employs computer-assisted systems that allow surgeons to operate with enhanced precision and control using miniature instruments and high-resolution cameras.
Experts highlight that this technology enables more accurate and minimally invasive procedures, which can lower the risk of complications. Patients benefit from smaller incisions, reduced blood loss, decreased infection risk, and faster recovery times compared to traditional surgery.
Officials noted that introducing robotic surgery at LRH could significantly reduce the necessity for patients in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to travel to larger cities or abroad for advanced surgical care, thereby improving local healthcare outcomes.
