A 71-year-old patient is recovering after Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City conducted what medical literature suggests is among only a handful of emergency robotic urology procedures ever performed globally outside major international cancer centres.
The operation addressed an injury to the upper ureter — a complication arising from an earlier elective surgery — that required urgent reconstruction of the ureteropelvic junction. SSMC’s urology team mobilised the robotic system within six hours of the emergency being identified, completing the repair without intraoperative complications. The patient was discharged within three days, and a follow-up CT scan confirmed the repair site had healed well.
Dr. Ather Abdelbaky, Acting Chair of the Urology Division and Robotic Surgeon at SSMC, described the significance of using robotic technology in an urgent setting: “This procedure marks a significant leap forward in emergency urological care at SSMC. By harnessing robotic technology for urgent reconstructive repairs, we achieve greater accuracy, reduce potential complications, and accelerate patient recovery. It’s inspiring to witness how this approach can transform outcomes for patients facing complex kidney challenges, bringing cutting-edge solutions right here in the UAE.”
SSMC is a subsidiary of PureHealth, the Middle East’s largest healthcare group, and operates as one of the UAE’s primary facilities for serious and complex medical cases.
Dr. Abdulqader Almessabi, the hospital’s Chief Medical Officer, said the case reflects the institution’s broader ambitions: “Our pioneering performance of the emergency robotic urology surgery exemplifies SSMC’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of healthcare innovation while prioritising patient-centred excellence. This achievement not only highlights our team’s rapid response and technical prowess but also reinforces SSMC’s role as a leader in complex care, ensuring advanced treatments are accessible locally and setting new benchmarks for the UAE and beyond.”
The case adds to a narrow body of documented emergency robotic urological interventions, with SSMC now among the few institutions worldwide to have performed one outside a dedicated oncology setting.
