Health Minister Congratulates Al-Dosari and Team on Successful Remote Robotic Surgery

Health Minister Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadi congratulated Dr. Saad Al-Dosari and the supporting medical team at the Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Kidney and Urology Center on the successful performance of a landmark radical prostatectomy using remote robotic surgery technology from the city of Padua, Italy, at a geographical distance of approximately 4,000 kilometers.

In a press statement, the Ministry of Health said the procedure was performed on a 62-year-old Kuwaiti patient, with Dr. Al-Dosari leading the operation with the support of the surgical team at the Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Kidney and Urology Center, comprising Dr. Ahmed Al-Marzouq and Dr. Khaled Al-Ali.

According to the statement, Minister Al-Awadi affirmed that this achievement embodies the specialized expertise and advanced scientific and technical capabilities of Kuwaiti medical professionals. It also reflects the Ministry of Health’s commitment to providing the latest equipment, infrastructure, and secure communication means, which contribute to enhancing the quality of healthcare and strengthening Kuwait’s position on the global map of robotic surgery.

He noted that these successes are the fruit of continuous investment in human resources and modern medical technologies, reaffirming Kuwait’s readiness to cooperate with health institutions, academic bodies, and international organizations to develop the specialties of robotic and remote surgery, and to enhance equitable access to advanced surgical services, particularly in remote and underserved areas, in line with Kuwait’s global humanitarian role.

The Ministry clarified that the procedure was broadcast live as part of the annual conference of the European Section of Robotic Urological Surgery, a step reflecting the advanced level Kuwait has reached in robotic surgeries and remote surgery technologies, as well as the competence of national medical staff in utilizing the latest technologies to serve patients.

It added that with the success of this procedure, the total number of remote robotic surgeries performed by the Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Kidney and Urology Center since December 2024 has risen to 15, including 12 cross-border and cross-continental procedures: eight from Shanghai, China, at a distance of 7,000 kilometers; two from Strasbourg, France, at a distance of 5,100 kilometers; one from Muscat, Oman, at a distance of 1,590 kilometers; plus the latest procedure from Padua, Italy, and three procedures performed remotely within Kuwait.

The Ministry noted that all procedures were successful, with the number of cross-border and cross-continental operations representing the highest such figure globally, according to center data.

It explained that the procedure relied on a direct connection via a high-speed fiber-optic network in collaboration with Zain, ensuring rapid transmission of surgical commands and stable connectivity between the surgeon and the robotic system throughout the operation.