SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
The inaugural Robotic Surgery Collaboration Summit 2024 concluded at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi on Sunday with the participation of over 40 global surgeons.
The event explored advancements in robotic techniques across fields such as abdominal wall reconstruction, bariatric, colorectal, gastrointestinal, emergency surgery, hepato-pancreato-biliary, as well as digital surgery.
Speaking to Aletihad, Dr. Shafik Sidani, Section Head of General Surgery at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, said the two-day summit was part of a global network of collaborations among robotic surgeons aimed at helping, teaching, and building friendships in the digital age.
"Beyond collaboration and networking, the summit also emphasises areas like robotics and innovation in surgery, academics and leadership, and diversity and women in surgery. These are values shared by my co-chairs, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, and I believe the UAE as a whole. This is why we are becoming a hub for these themes in the region. Hosting the summit here this year allows us to bring everyone together, share ideas, and show the world that we are at the forefront of robotic surgery, innovation, diversity, and leadership in surgery," Dr. Sidani said.
He praised the outcomes of the event, which featured diverse speakers and delegates from various backgrounds.
Additionally, he noted that this was the first robotic general surgery conference in the Arab world, which represents a significant milestone in the event's history.
Hosting the event demonstrates that Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and the UAE are now recognised as leaders in robotics, innovation, and surgery, he said.
"We are a hub for healthcare excellence, diversity, and women's leadership in surgery. Bringing together regional and international surgeons shows how far we have come and puts us firmly on the map," he added.
Dr. Ali Al Jaberi, a Staff Physician at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi's Digestive Disease Institute, told Aletihad of the importance of surgical collaboration in the advancement of robotic technology and innovative treatment.
Highlighting the key topics from the summit, he said, "We covered the history of robotic surgery and its impact on patient outcomes, focusing on enhancing the patient journey. We included procedural videos, tips, and insights on building robotic programmes from scratch in less active settings."
He stated that robotic surgery is on a steady rise, owing to continual feedback and modification, as well as competition from more companies investing in soft-tissue robot platforms.