Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City in Abu Dhabi has added a thyroid surgery option that avoids a visible neck scar after performing what it says was the United Arab Emirates' first robot-assisted procedure of its kind.
Gulf News identified the patient as Caroline, 27, who sought care for neck swelling, difficulty swallowing and a choking feeling during sleep. Tests found a 3-centimeter nodule with abnormal features on the left side of her thyroid. Doctors recommended surgery and, after further assessment, chose the robotic approach.
The surgical team reached the thyroid through small incisions in both armpits. The operation lasted about an hour, and Caroline went home the following day, Gulf News reported. The robotic system gave surgeons a magnified, three-dimensional view as they worked near nerves and glands around the thyroid, the outlet reported.
The procedure was performed by Dr. Salem Al Harthi, chair of Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City's Department of Surgery and a consultant robotic and general surgeon. He said careful patient selection is essential for the technique.
The hospital is part of PureHealth and began its robotic surgery program in 2020. It has since completed more than 1,380 robot-assisted procedures across medical specialties, Gulf News reported.
