Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC) has performed the UAE’s first robotic thyroid surgery, introducing an additional treatment option for eligible patients and expanding the country’s specialised surgical capabilities.
The procedure was performed on a 27-year-old patient who sought treatment for neck swelling that made swallowing difficult and caused a choking sensation during sleep. Medical tests identified a 3 cm thyroid nodule with abnormal features in the left thyroid lobe, leading to a recommendation for surgery.
Following an assessment, the multidisciplinary surgical team determined that robotic-assisted surgery was suitable. The procedure, known as Robotic-Assisted Breast Axillo Insufflation Thyroidectomy (RABIT), was completed through small incisions in both armpits, avoiding a visible scar on the front of the neck. The patient was discharged the following day.
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The robotic system provided surgeons with magnified, three-dimensional visualisation and tremor filtration, supporting precise movements around delicate structures, including the recurrent laryngeal nerve and parathyroid glands. The technique offers an alternative to conventional thyroid surgery, although suitability depends on individual clinical assessments.
Dr. Abdulqader Al Messabi, Chief Medical Officer at SSMC, said: “Introducing robotic thyroid surgery in the UAE gives eligible patients access to an additional surgical option closer to home. This milestone reflects the expertise and capabilities we have developed at SSMC to deliver increasingly specialised care in Abu Dhabi. Our priority is to ensure patients have access to advanced treatments that respond to their individual needs.”
Dr. Salem Al Harthi, Chair of the Department of Surgery and Consultant Robotic/General Surgeon at SSMC, who performed the surgery, said: “Thyroid surgery requires careful planning because of the delicate nerves and glands surrounding the thyroid. While robotic technology offers greater visualisation and control, selecting the right patient is equally important. This procedure gives us another option for suitable patients, allowing us to consider both their clinical requirements and personal preferences when planning surgery.”
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The achievement builds on SSMC’s robotic surgery programme, launched in 2020, which has delivered more than 1,380 robotic-assisted procedures across multiple specialties. The latest milestone further expands the hospital’s surgical capabilities and access to advanced care in Abu Dhabi.
