This article was automatically translated from HIBAPRESS, the Arabic version:
This article was automatically translated from HIBAPRESS, the Arabic version:
Heba Press
In a pioneering achievement, a medical team led by Moroccan Dr. Younis Ahal, specialist in urinary and reproductive surgery and expert in robotic and remote surgery, performed a complete prostatectomy using remote robotic surgery. The surgeon was present in Shanghai, China. , while the Moroccan patient was on the operating table in a hospital in Casablanca, Morocco.
This complex operation to treat localized prostate cancer was performed using advanced telesurgery technology. During this surgical procedure, we relied on the “Toumai” surgical robot, controlled by the Moroccan surgeon from Shanghai, via a high-speed Internet connection, allowing the immediate transmission of the surgeon’s orders with absolute precision and 3D images. high resolution. .
Although this operation is not the first to be carried out remotely, it is considered the first in the world to be carried out from this very great distance, estimated at around 12 thousand kilometers, which makes it a Moroccan medical achievement without precedent at the global level. , and a new cornerstone of the health of the Kingdom.
In this context, Dr. Ahlal underlined in an interview with the Arab Maghreb Press that “this operation is a unique achievement of its kind, since for the first time an operation was carried out over a distance of 12 thousand kilometers, from the city from Shanghai in China to the city of Casablanca in Morocco. “It is a historic feat with which we have broken the record for the longest distance from which this surgical procedure is performed globally. »
He stressed that this important achievement was accomplished thanks to 100% Moroccan teams, explaining that “at the time when I piloted the robot from the city of Shanghai, there was a nursing team in addition to a medical team integrated which included surgeons specializing in urinary pathologies. and in surgery of the reproductive system. An expert in robotic surgery accompanies the patient to Casablanca, monitors all stages and details of the operation and is ready to intervene at any time.
He added that the medical staff was also accompanied by a team of highly qualified Moroccan engineers who worked to monitor and control the smallest technical details before the operation and throughout its duration.
Regarding the challenges of remote surgery, especially at such a great distance, Dr. Ahlal emphasized that since it is a complex, remote operation that has never been performed before, it It was necessary to prepare well to overcome the various challenges. and ensure that the operation takes place in good conditions to achieve the desired results.
He explained that the success of this operation depends on several aspects, including the advanced technology provided by this advanced surgical robot and the provision of a stable and high-speed Internet connection, given that the “interaction time” between the orders of the surgeon in China and the response of the robot in Morocco must be very short, in addition to the fact that the surgeon works through a very high quality 3D image, therefore the communication must be precise, precise and of very high quality. , to guarantee image quality throughout the operation.
To ensure that the operation takes place in good conditions, the Moroccan surgeon confirmed that preparations for the operation began approximately four months before the date of the operation, which allowed the medical and technical teams participating in the operation of working side by side and coordinating. themselves, in addition to anticipating different scenarios and proposing appropriate solutions to avoid any surprises during this delicate medical procedure, emphasizing that thanks to the combined efforts of all those involved and the great professionalism and competence demonstrated by all medical and technical teams. The operation was a success in every way.
He stressed that the success of this complex operation, carried out at an unprecedented distance, takes on greater importance and symbolism, given that robotic surgery was recently introduced in Morocco, only a few months ago, considering that this historic achievement adds to the Moroccan experience. achievements in the field of health, which clearly confirm the high skills available to Morocco.
He also stressed that this Moroccan success highlights that our country’s health system keeps pace with modern technological developments and advances with regular and confident steps in order to strengthen the independence and health sovereignty of the Kingdom.
For these operations to continue and be successful in Morocco, he stressed the need to work on training and to keep pace with Moroccan surgeons in order to train specialists in robotics and remote surgery, stressing that today This robot is only available in the city of Casablanca, so we must redouble our efforts to disseminate this type of surgery by offering surgical interventions to patients located in remote or poorly equipped areas.
