PESHAWAR: The Institute of Kidney Diseases (IKD) at Hayatabad Medical Complex plans to introduce robotic surgeries in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for the first time, following a live workshop held last Friday.
The one-day event featured two robotic surgeries performed by Prof. Martin Sheriff, director of Robotic Surgery at West Kent Urology Cancer Centre, Medway NHS Foundation Trust, UK, assisted by Dr. Javed Burki, a consultant urological surgeon at the same trust. Both surgeons travelled to Peshawar to conduct the live demonstration and train local staff.
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“Robotic surgery is gaining currency worldwide, not only in developed countries but also in provinces like Punjab and Sindh,” Prof. Sheriff told Dawn. “We aim to train doctors and support staff so patients in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa can benefit from this advanced technology.”
Robot-Assisted Minimally Invasive Surgery (Ramis) allows surgeons to operate through small incisions using robotic arms controlled via a console with specialised instruments and a high-definition 3D camera. This method offers greater precision, flexibility, and control compared to traditional open surgery.
عمران خان صاحب کی حکومت کا ایک اور انقلابی قدم حیات آباد انسٹیٹیوٹ آف کڈنی ڈیزیز ہسپتال میں جدید طبی سہولیات کا شاندار اضافہ۔
آپریشن کے لیے جدید روبوٹک سسٹم منگوایا گیا ہے، جس کے ذریعے آج پہلا آپریشن کامیابی سے مکمل کر لیا گیا۔یہ اقدام صحت کے شعبےمیں عمران خان صاحب کے وژن اور pic.twitter.com/6HOUfyxK1l— Dr Maryam Aziz (@Maryamazizpti) February 6, 2026
Institute of Kidney Diseases Director Dr. Kamran Khan said a proposal had been submitted to the Board of Governors and government authorities to acquire a robot, costing approximately $1 million, and implement a special package for robotic surgeries under the Sehat Card Plus scheme. He highlighted that the hospital’s state-of-the-art operating theatres and trained laparoscopic surgeons would facilitate a smooth transition to robotic procedures.
“The initial focus will be on complex cases such as tumors, with the potential to expand to all types of procedures, including transplants,” Dr. Khan said. He noted that robotic surgery benefits patients through smaller incisions, reduced hospital stays, less bleeding, and lower risk of infection, while also providing comfort for surgeons during operations.
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Urologist Dr. Rizwanullah Kundi confirmed that the two patients operated on during the workshop, who were admitted with kidney masses and tumors, were recovering well. Plans are underway to train more surgeons and staff, possibly including overseas training.