Live robotic surgeries showcased at Riyadh urology conference

Riyadh hosted the inaugural Saudi Conference on Robotic Surgery and Urological Oncology, organized under the Saudi Urological Association, with participation from more than 350 doctors and nursing staff in a five-day scientific and training program.

The conference was chaired by Dr. Khalid Al-Othman, Consultant of Urological Oncology Surgery at King Abdullah University Hospital, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, while the organizing committee was led by Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Muharij, Consultant of Urological Oncology at Al-Mousa Hospital in Al-Ahsa.

Dr. Naif Al-Daham, Consultant of Urological Oncology and Robotic Surgery at King Fahad Medical City in Riyadh and head of the scientific committee, explained that the conference included more than six training workshops on robotic surgery simulation to train doctors in these techniques, as well as over ten scientific sessions covering advances in urological oncology and the latest developments in robotic surgery.

He added that there were more than 44 speakers, most from Saudi Arabia, with four from the United States, reflecting scientific collaboration and knowledge exchange between the two countries.

Al-Daham noted that two surgeries were broadcast live from different hospitals to the conference, marking a first-of-its-kind experience that allowed participants to observe robotic procedures and benefit from the expertise of surgeons.

He emphasized that such conferences facilitate the exchange of expertise and provide updates on the latest advances in robotic surgery and urological oncology, contributing to the development of medical practice and improving patient care quality.

He also highlighted the importance of training fellowship doctors in these surgeries through simulation, enabling them to practice surgical skills in a training environment before applying them clinically.