KFSHRC Advances Robotic Surgery with Successful Ivor Lewis Esophagectomy

Riyadh, July 28, 2025, SPA -- King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSHRC) in Riyadh performed a robotic Ivor Lewis esophagectomy, the first of its kind in the Middle East, on a 46-year-old male diagnosed with gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma, a type of cancer located near the area where the esophagus meets the stomach.
   According to a recent KFSHRC press release, the patient regained mobility within two days of surgery, began oral intake by day five, and was discharged within 10 days. This outcome demonstrates the effectiveness of the robotic approach in reducing pain, minimizing complications, and accelerating recovery compared to conventional surgery.
   The procedure was led by Dr. Khalid Aldaghri, consultant in bariatric, upper gastrointestinal, and robotic surgery at KFSHRC. It was performed using the Ivor Lewis technique, a complex and technically demanding procedure consisting of two phases. The abdominal phase involved stomach mobilization and the creation of a gastric conduit, followed by the thoracic phase, during which the diseased esophagus was resected and the conduit was robotically connected within the chest. The precision of the robotic system enabled surgeons to access deep anatomical areas without large incisions, enhancing safety, reducing risks, and improving outcomes in one of the most complex cancer surgeries.
   Close collaboration among the surgical, anesthesia, nursing, and technical teams was key to the procedure’s success. All teams worked in coordination at every stage, from preoperative planning to postoperative recovery. This approach reflects KFSHRC’s multidisciplinary model of care, designed to improve patient outcomes and clinical efficiency.
   With its advanced features, the robotic surgery significantly enhanced the safety and accuracy of the esophagectomy by offering three-dimensional high-definition visualization, stable instrument control, and superior access within confined anatomical spaces. These capabilities enabled more precise dissection, better preservation of surrounding structures such as nerves and vessels, and reduced intraoperative risks. The technology also made it physically easier for the surgeon to operate over an extended period.
   "As a medical milestone, the success of this procedure opens the door to broader applications of robotic surgery at KFSHRC. It enables more patients to benefit from advanced surgical techniques and reinforces the institution’s commitment to clinical innovation, safety, and effective alternatives to traditional surgical approaches," according to the release.
   KFSHRC has been ranked first in the Middle East and Africa, and 15th globally, on the list of the world’s top 250 Academic Medical Centers for 2025. It was also recognized as the most valuable healthcare brand in the Kingdom and the Middle East by Brand Finance in 2024 and was included in Newsweek’s list of the World’s Best Smart Hospitals for 2025.
   -- SPA