World's First Robotic-Assisted Prostate Cancer Treatment

Photo : Abu Dhabi Media Office

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has made history by performing the world’s first remote robotic surgery for prostate cancer. This surgery was done in collaboration with doctors from Cleveland Clinic in the United States. The surgery used a special treatment called focal therapy. This treatment targets only the cancerous part of the prostate without needing large surgery or radiation. The doctors used a robotic system called Focal-One, which helps control the ultrasound that treats the cancer.

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The surgery was done with two doctors working together from different countries. Dr. Ruben Olivares, a doctor in Ohio, helped guide the surgery from the United States, while Dr. Waleed A. Hassen, the head of Urology at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, performed the surgery in Abu Dhabi. The surgery lasted about one hour and was completed without any problems.

This remote procedure shows how new technology can help people in places that might not have the right medical experts. By working together, doctors from different parts of the world can provide better care for patients. This procedure also helps provide access to modern treatments, like focal therapy, for people who might not have them otherwise. However, making this kind of advanced treatment available everywhere is still a challenge.

Hasan Jasem Al Nowais, the Chairman of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, said: “This remote procedure is a big step in healthcare. It shows that we can take care of people across borders and help solve healthcare problems worldwide.”

Her Excellency Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, said: “Abu Dhabi is growing quickly to have one of the best healthcare systems in the world. Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is helping us move forward with new technology and treatments. This achievement shows how serious we are about improving healthcare for everyone.”

Dr. Georges-Pascal Haber, CEO of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, added: “We are proud of our work at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi to bring together new technology and excellent care. Remote surgeries are the future of healthcare. This surgery shows how technology and teamwork can help improve patient care all over the world.”

The new treatment was first introduced in October 2023 at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. It is called Focal One, and it uses high-intensity ultrasound to treat prostate cancer. This method allows doctors to target the cancer while avoiding damage to healthy parts of the prostate.

Dr. Waleed A. Hassen explained: “Focal therapy is a non-invasive treatment. We use a robotic arm to deliver the treatment accurately. This procedure shows that we can plan and do the surgery remotely, working together with the team. It usually takes about an hour to finish the procedure.”

Dr. Ruben Olivares, M.D., from Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, said: “We are happy to be part of this historic procedure. This new technology is not available everywhere, but we hope this first step will help bring it to more places around the world.”

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is celebrating ten years of providing top medical care. This procedure is just the beginning of using technology to improve healthcare. The success of this surgery is not just for prostate cancer treatment—it could also help