Advanced Robotic Surgery at Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Hospital
Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Hospital in Jeddah has achieved a significant milestone in advanced robotic surgery. Under the leadership of Dr. Muteb Al Zaidi, a consultant specializing in chest, esophagus, and gastric surgeries, the medical team successfully performed an Ivor Lewis esophagectomy using the da Vinci Xi surgical robotic system. This complex procedure was executed on a 70-year-old patient diagnosed with cancer at the esophagogastric junction.
Details of the Robotic Ivor Lewis Procedure
The Ivor Lewis procedure is known for its complexity and is conducted in two stages. It includes both abdominal and thoracic surgeries and requires a high level of surgical precision and coordination among various medical specialties. In the first stage, the surgical team performed a robotic procedure via the abdomen, where the stomach was mobilized and the upper portion was resected, preparing the remaining section for reconstructing the digestive tract. Lymph nodes in the surrounding area were also removed.
Following this, the patient’s position was adjusted for the second stage, which involved robotic surgery through the right side of the chest. This phase necessitated meticulous dissection of the esophagus from surrounding tissues and organs, excision of additional lymph nodes, and the retraction of the stomach into the thoracic cavity to create a new connection between the upper esophagus and the stomach.
Patient Recovery and Implications for Future Surgeries
Following the major surgery, the patient reached an excellent recovery stage and successfully discharged home in just one week. This outcome not only signifies the success of the procedure but also showcases the advancements in robotic surgical techniques at Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Hospital.
The achievement marks a vital point in the ongoing development of the hospital’s robotic surgery program, reinforcing its commitment to expanding sophisticated surgical options utilizing robotic technology. According to the da Vinci database, this case represents the second esophagectomy with stomach pull-up performed in the private healthcare sector of Saudi Arabia using robotic assistance.
Team Collaboration and Support Services
The surgical team consisted of Dr. Muteb Al Zaidi, assisted by Dr. Ihab Manashi, who played a crucial role in supporting various phases of the surgery. Additionally, Dr. Abdulrahman Nabil contributed to the patient’s care and follow-up post-surgery. The anesthesiology, nursing, critical care, and ancillary healthcare teams were instrumental in the procedure’s success, demonstrating the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration throughout the patient’s treatment journey.
Recognition and Future Developments
Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Hospital continues to enhance its capabilities in specialized surgeries. It holds the designation of a Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery from the Surgical Review Corporation (SRC). Additionally, the hospital achieved a world record with the accreditation of 14 Centers of Excellence from SRC, marking it as the largest number of accredited centers within a single hospital globally.
This recent surgical success exemplifies what can be accomplished through the integration of specialized medical expertise, advanced surgical technologies, and a collaborative healthcare approach, furthering the development of the robotic surgery program at Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Hospital.
Looking ahead, the hospital is expected to expand its offerings in robotic-assisted surgeries, continuing to provide advanced surgical options for complex cases. Stakeholders and patients alike should watch for upcoming announcements regarding new technologies and procedures that emerge from this leading institution.

