ROBOT SURGEONS ARE HERE, GET WELL SOON
BENEFITS OF ROBOTIC SURGERY
Shorter hospitalisation Reduced pain and discomfort Faster recovery time and return to normal activities Smaller incisions, resulting in reduced risk of infection Reduced blood loss and transfusions Minimal scarring
abu dhabi — More hospitals in the UAE are now turning to robotic surgery to perform the most complex procedures. But will advanced Artificial Intelligence in the medical field soon replace real doctors in the country?
“Robotic surgeries have more control over the precision of the incision, there is minimal blood loss, less risk of infection, faster recovery and less pain for the patient,” said Dr Shabeer Nellikode, Managing Director, Universal Hospital.
He told Khaleej Times that Artificial Intelligence can achieve what man cannot do in several aspects in the medical field. Dr Nellikode said that Universal Hospital was one of the first to use robotic pharmacy dispensing back in 2012, which allows error-free drug count — something that a human may not always do with precision.
Moreover, the hospital is also launching a childsised robot this year which Dr Nellikode said will help children with autism. “There are a lot of children with autism spectrum disorder in the UAE. The child-sized ‘humanised’ robot will be able to play with children with autism and support them.” He pointed out that autistic children will interact and feel closer to the robot than with humans. Dr Nellikode stressed that although Artificial Intelligence and robotics are taking centerstage in medicine, they will not necessarily replace doctors.
A doctor who is using Artificial Intelligence and robotics will definitely replace a doctor who doesn’t use them Dr Shabeer Nellikode, Universal Hospital
We will soon have a robot detecting hypertension, by simply looking at the eye of the patient.” Dr shabeer Nellikode, managing director, Universal Hospital
Robotic surgery will certainly be our future, because that’s where we are heading towards now.” Dr el Zaqui Ladha, bariatric surgeon, Bareen International Hospital
“But a doctor who is using Artificial Intelligence and robotics will definitely replace a doctor who doesn’t use them,” he added. He said he is looking forward to more forward-thinking software that can help save human lives. “The top causes of death in most countries are cancer, nerve related illnesses and cardiovascular diseases. We will soon have a robot detecting hypertension by simply looking at the eye of the patient.”
Al is big in UAE hospitals
Dr Jorge Guzman, chief of staff, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, told Khaleej Times that since its opening in 2015, the hospital has conducted a whopping 148 robotic surgeries. In March this year, surgeons performed the UAE’s first robotic hysterectomy surgery. The patient was up and walking just hours after the procedure. Dr Guzman said that the rise of robotics and connected devices has allowed doctors to treat diseases more effectively.
“One of the most interesting developments from a patient’s perspective is connected devices. These allow us to monitor patients remotely and in real time.” Doctors are fed a large amount of data to help diagnose and manage the patient’s condition.
Moreover, Dr Guzman said that the clinic’s unique remote heart monitoring programme has helped save many lives. “We’re now able to monitor our heart patients’ vital signs 24 hours a day, seven days a week, giving them peace of mind and allowing us to intervene much earlier if they begin having symptoms.”
From a surgical point of view, in addition to robotic surgery, 3D printing has already helped doctors plan and prepare for surgeries. “We can print a 3D model of a patient’s heart based on detailed scans that allow our surgical teams to plan exactly how the operation should go.”
“This means shorter operations and fewer complications in the operating room, improving outcomes for patients.”
Furthermore, technology now enables doctors to see and manage their patients remotely via telemedicine. Patients are increasingly able to receive care from their doctors at a distance and at their own convenience.
“Technology has had a positive impact on people’s lives and health. This is especially important as we contend with rising levels of lifestyle diseases.”
High costs holding-back robotic surgeries
Dr El Zaqui Ladha, Consultant Bariatric Surgeon, Bareen International Hospital, said he is looking forward to witnessing the growth of robotic surgeries in the UAE. “Today, a doctor in Dubai can operate on a patient in Oman,” he said.
However, he stressed that the cost of a robotic surgery is extremely high. “This is the big factor that is blocking us from moving forward to robotic surgery.
“I don’t think the hospitals are using robots at the full capacity, because the learning curve is difficult, and it still needs a doctor to conduct the surgery.”
Dr Ladha said there also needs to be more improvement in software. “Software need to be more intelligent and able to analyse the emotions of people, as well as their status at work and at home, because so much is linked.”
“When a patient has a health issue, this issue can be related to various factors in his life.” He stressed that as with any technology, the risks in using robotic procedures is real. “There are risks of having a robot breakdown due to the software system during an operation — just like how your computer might suddenly breakdown while you are in the in the middle of work.” jasmine@khaleejtimes.com