The Royal Hospital in Oman has achieved a historic milestone by successfully performing the first remote urological surgery using advanced robotic technology, in collaboration with the Sabah Al-Ahmad Urology Center in Kuwait. This pioneering operation signifies a major leap forward in smart medical innovation, positioning Oman at the forefront of digital healthcare and exemplifying Gulf cooperation in medical advancements.
The procedure involved a highly synchronized effort between surgical teams in Muscat and Kuwait, connected via a secure, high-speed communication platform. This setup enabled real-time control of surgical instruments and provided high-definition, three-dimensional visualization, enhancing safety, minimizing invasiveness, and accelerating patient recovery. Dr. Qais Al-Hooti, Head of Urology at the Royal Hospital, highlighted the significance of this achievement as a milestone for Oman’s healthcare sector.
Dr. Saad Al-Dousari, Head of the Surgery Department at Sabah Al-Ahmad Urology Center, described the event as a historic milestone for Gulf cooperation. He noted that the center has performed approximately 2,000 robotic surgeries between 2014 and 2025, including procedures on prostate, kidney, and urinary tract tumors. He emphasized that the Oman-Kuwait partnership is strategic, and this latest operation surpasses previous efforts, aligning with the visions of both nations to advance healthcare innovation.
This success underscores the Royal Hospital’s leadership in adopting smart medical technologies and advancing complex surgical systems. It aligns with Oman Vision 2040’s objectives of fostering innovation, digital transformation, and empowering local talent. Moreover, the collaboration sets a precedent for Gulf integration in knowledge exchange and remote surgical procedures, opening avenues for expanding robotic surgery to other specialties, enhancing clinical training, and strengthening digital medicine capacity across the region.
Reference:
Royal Hospital performs successful remote surgery, the first in region’s healthcare sector. (n.d.). https://moh.gov.om/en/media-center/news/royal-hospital-performs-successful-remote-surgery-the-first-in-region-s-healthcare-sector/
