Islamabad – In a landmark achievement for the capital city’s medical sector, the first-ever robotic surgery in Islamabad was successfully completed at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS). The groundbreaking procedure marks a significant step forward in the field of advanced medical technology and minimally invasive surgeries in the country.

The surgery was conducted using the state-of-the-art Tomaye surgical robot, a cutting-edge device designed to enhance precision, reduce surgical risks, and improve patient outcomes. The operation was carried out with the active participation of international experts from the United Kingdom, who collaborated closely with PIMS specialists to ensure the procedure’s success.

Leading the surgical team were Professor Shamim Khan, Professor Mateen Sharif, and Dr. Javed Barky, who provided guidance and supervision throughout the operation. The PIMS team also included notable experts such as Dr. Atif Inam Shami, Dr. Burhan-ul-Haq, and Dr. Khalid Saeed, all of whom played crucial roles in the successful execution of the procedure. Their combined expertise and meticulous planning ensured that the surgery proceeded smoothly and safely.

Dr. Mateen Sharif, Director of Robotic Surgery at PIMS, spoke to the media after the successful operation, emphasizing the transformative potential of robotic-assisted procedures. He explained that robotic surgery offers unprecedented accuracy, allowing surgeons to perform complex operations more effectively while minimizing risks to patients. “With the help of robotic technology, complicated surgeries that previously carried significant risks can now be performed in a safer, more controlled, and highly precise manner,” he said.

The Tomaye surgical robot, which was developed in China, was instrumental in performing the delicate and complex maneuvers required for the procedure. Dr. Sharif noted that the ultimate mission is to expand robotic surgery across Pakistan, making advanced surgical care accessible to patients nationwide. “Our goal is to establish robotic surgery units throughout the country so that patients no longer have to travel abroad for state-of-the-art surgical care,” he said.

The patient who underwent the robotic surgery was a female, and the operation was conducted with careful monitoring to ensure her safety. According to doctors, the minimally invasive nature of robotic surgery means that the patient is expected to recover much faster compared to conventional surgical methods. Reduced post-operative pain, shorter hospital stays, and minimal scarring are among the key advantages of this technology.

Robotic surgery represents a major leap forward in medical practice, combining precision engineering with the expertise of skilled surgeons. The Tomaye robot’s advanced robotic arms and high-definition cameras allow surgeons to perform delicate procedures with enhanced dexterity, fine control, and unparalleled accuracy. Surgeons can operate through tiny incisions, which greatly reduces trauma to surrounding tissues and lowers the risk of complications.

Dr. Mateen Sharif also highlighted the importance of governmental support in introducing advanced medical technologies in Pakistan. He acknowledged that the initiative was made possible through collaboration between local authorities, international experts, and the hospital administration. “The government’s support is vital for bringing advanced medical facilities to Pakistan, and this successful surgery demonstrates our commitment to improving healthcare standards,” he said.

The presence of international experts during the surgery served as both a technical support mechanism and a training opportunity for local surgeons. They provided insights into best practices in robotic surgery, which will help build domestic expertise and enable PIMS to independently perform similar procedures in the future. The collaboration emphasizes knowledge transfer, ensuring that Pakistan’s medical community can continue to advance in surgical innovations.

This historic surgery is expected to pave the way for broader adoption of robotic-assisted procedures across various medical specialties, including urology, gynecology, cardiothoracic surgery, and general surgery. Experts believe that as more hospitals integrate robotic systems, patients throughout the country will benefit from safer, faster, and more efficient surgical care.

The successful completion of the first robotic surgery in Islamabad also highlights PIMS’s role as a pioneer in modern healthcare practices in Pakistan. By adopting advanced technologies and training medical professionals in their use, the institute aims to elevate the overall standard of surgical care and provide cutting-edge treatment options to patients who previously had limited access to such facilities.

Dr. Sharif concluded by expressing optimism about the future of robotic surgery in Pakistan, emphasizing that continued investment, training, and public awareness are key to its nationwide implementation. He reassured that patients undergoing robotic surgery can expect improved outcomes, faster recovery, and a significantly enhanced surgical experience.

In summary, Islamabad witnessed a historic milestone in its medical history with the successful completion of its first robotic surgery at PIMS. The operation, conducted with the assistance of international experts and guided by Pakistan’s leading medical professionals, demonstrated the immense potential of robotic-assisted surgical technology. As the country moves toward integrating advanced surgical systems, patients can look forward to safer, more efficient, and high-precision medical care, marking a new era in Pakistan’s healthcare landscape.