ROBOFLEX AVICENNA EAU2014 from A.Sinan KABAKCI on Vimeo.

The Sheikh Khalifa General Hospital in the emirate of Umm Al Quwain has started using robots in performing urologic surgeries for the first time in the region.

According to a senior official the hospital carried out 25 operations to crush ureter bladder and pelvis stones using RoboFlex which is different from the Da Vinci robots in the last four months.

Dr Abdulqadir Al Zarouni Chief of Emergency & Surgical Services Section at the hospital on Monday told Khaleej Times that the type of the surgeries operated in the hospital by the RoboFlex are the fourth in the world.

"The Sheikh Khalifa General Hospital in Umm Al Quwain is all set to use robots in performing surgeries at general operations gynaecology and urology sections within the coming two years."

All the operations done have been a big success he added. "All patients were discharged from the hospital on the second day of the operation without any complications or side effects."

Dr Zarouni who is also a Consultant and Chair of Urology Section at the Hospital underlined that robots help surgeons crush the tough pelvis stones that are hard to reach by traditional techniques.

"It has become so easy for surgeons to reach these stones and crush them in just one session with no need to repeat the operation."

The robot surgeons use laser technology in handling almost all types of urologic stones he pointed out.

"Robotic surgery though a little bit more expensive than traditional surgeries is now poised to change the nature of surgery and widely replace normal procedures."

Surgeons used to make large incisions to have access to the organ they needed to operate on Dr Zarouni elaborated. "This may lead to excessive bleeding mostly leaves ugly scars and requires longer recovery periods."

The high-tech robots enable surgeons to carry out complex surgical procedures using a minimally invasive approach he stated. "It's even more precise than the most skilled doctor with the steadiest hand."

Ahmed Salem an Egyptian patient said he has recently had a urologic surgery in which the surgeon used an advanced robot. "I requested the robotic surgery because it leaves small scars and helps quicker recovery."

Ahmed Shaaban Originally from Egypt I have been in Dubai since December 2005. Before coming here I worked as an English language instructor chief En/Ar translator proofreader reporter in Egypt and Qatar. I have also worked as a reporter correspondent and simultaneous translator with two satellite channels in Dubai. I have a masters degree in media Cairo University 2014 a bachelor degree in English language and translation Ain Shams University Cairo 1996 and three post-graduate diplomas in English language and Instruction. With over 19 years of experience in translation interpretation EFL instruction and reporting. I am interested in technology aviation politics as well as community parliament and defence issues. I enjoy reading writing exercising and surfing the web.