Medical institutions launch robotic-assisted surgery programs

Medical institutions in the United States and Nigeria have reached significant milestones by successfully performing robotic-assisted surgeries.

At UVA Health in the United States, the University Medical Center completed its first robotic cardiac surgery using the da Vinci 5 system. Led by Dr. Michael E. Ibrahim, the launch of this dedicated program aims to provide minimally invasive options for heart patients, potentially offering faster recovery times and reduced postoperative pain. UVA Health is currently the only health system in Virginia with a dedicated robotic cardiac surgery program.

In Nigeria, the Imo Specialist Hospital in Umuguma performed its first robotic-assisted surgery at the Imo Robotics and Oncology Centre. The procedure was led by Professor Kingsley Ekwueme. This initiative, part of a public-private partnership, is intended to expand access to advanced medical technology within Imo State and reduce the necessity for residents to travel abroad for specialized treatments.