Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City Delivers Over 1,200 Robotic-Assisted Procedures Since Programme Launch
Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC), a flagship hospital in the UAE for serious and complex care and a subsidiary of PureHealth, is at the forefront of adopting next-generation healthcare technologies. As part of PureHealth’s commitment to transforming healthcare through innovation, SSMC has significantly expanded its robotic surgery programme.
Since launching in 2020, the programme has delivered over 1,260 robotic-assisted surgeries. What started with a single robotic platform and four procedures has blossomed into a multidisciplinary initiative encompassing complex surgical care across thoracic surgery, urology, oncology, orthopaedics, neurosurgery, and general surgery.
Dr Marwan Al Kaabi, Chief Executive Officer of SSMC, emphasizes the programme’s growth:
"The growth of our robotic-assisted surgery programme reflects… our commitment to advancing complex care… through innovation and clinical excellence."
Recent notable procedures include a single-port robotic thoracic sympathectomy for hyperhidrosis and emergency robotic urology surgery, showcasing SSMC’s increasing proficiency in minimally invasive and high-precision surgical approaches.
The programme benefits from internationally trained robotic surgeons, with 100% of bariatric and thoracic surgeons and 80% of general surgeons specializing in advanced robotic procedures. Four robotic systems enhance their capabilities: two for orthopaedic surgery and one dedicated neurosurgical platform, acquired in 2026.
Robotic-assisted surgery offers several advantages, including improved surgical precision, reduced trauma, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery times, particularly in complex cases. SSMC’s continued expansion underscores its commitment to these advancements.
