Doctors in Saudi Arabia used robotic surgery to treat a two-year-old child with Hirschsprung’s disease/Image: SPA
Doctors in Saudi Arabia have carried out a complex robotic surgery on a two-year-old child diagnosed with Hirschsprung’s disease, a rare condition that affects how the bowel works.The child, who weighs around 10 kilograms, was treated at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSH) in Jeddah. Hirschsprung’s disease happens when part of the colon does not have the nerve cells needed to move waste through the body. This can lead to severe constipation and, in serious cases, blockage in the intestine.To treat this, doctors performed a procedure known as a Soave pull-through. In simple terms, this involves removing the part of the colon that is not working properly and connecting the healthy section so the bowel can function normally again.
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Doing this surgery on young children is not easy. The space inside a child’s pelvis is very small, and important nerves, muscles and blood vessels are located close to the area being operated on. Any mistake can affect how the bowel works in the long run.This is where robotic assistance played a key role. The robotic system gave surgeons a clearer view and allowed them to operate with more control and precision. This made it easier to handle delicate tissues and carry out the procedure safely. The case highlights how advanced technology is being used to handle difficult medical conditions, especially in children where surgeries are more sensitive.KFSH said the procedure reflects its continued focus on using modern medical techniques to improve treatment outcomes.The hospital has also received several global recognitions. It was ranked first in the Middle East and North Africa and 12th worldwide among the top 250 Academic Medical Centers for 2026. It has also been named the most valuable healthcare brand in Saudi Arabia and the wider region by Brand Finance for 2025.In addition, KFSH has been listed by Newsweek among the World’s Best Hospitals 2025, the World’s Best Smart Hospitals 2026, and the World’s Best Specialized Hospitals 2026.
