First Robotic Sleeve Gastrectomy Performed in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Al Khobar – The medical team at Al Mouwasat Hospital in Al Khobar successfully performed a delicate robotic surgery to correct a rare congenital deformity in the renal pelvis for a patient who was suffering from severe pain due to a significant narrowing at the upper part of the right ureter. 

The medical team explained that the patient had a congenital anomaly characterized by the presence of an additional renal artery compressing the upper section of the right ureter from the outside, causing severe obstruction that prevented normal urine flow and led to dilation and swelling of the renal pelvis. This condition resulted in recurrent severe pain and renal colic. 

After conducting the necessary medical examinations, the surgical team decided to intervene using robotic-assisted technology. The procedure involved removing the narrowing at the upper ureter, repositioning the additional renal artery, and creating a new connection between the ureter and the renal pelvis—all performed with advanced robotic surgical precision. 

The operation lasted approximately an hour and a half and, by the grace of God, was completed successfully without any complications, with minimal bleeding during the procedure. The patient was discharged from the hospital in good health and a stable condition. 

This achievement highlights the high level of expertise of the medical team at Al Mouwasat Hospital and the advanced capabilities of robotic surgery in providing precise and safe solutions for complex medical cases. 

It also reflects Al Mouwasat Medical Services Company’s vision of attracting top medical talent and subspecialties while providing the latest medical technologies and state-of-the-art equipment

In an urgent response to a critical emergency, the medical team at the Emergency Department of Al Mouwasat Hospital in Madinah received a patient in his fifties who had been transferred urgently from another hospital to save his life after being diagnosed with massive clots in the pulmonary arteries, which caused a complete blockage. This led to respiratory failure, a severe drop in oxygen levels, and loss of consciousness.

According to the protocols followed at Al Mouwasat Hospital in Madinah, immediate coordination took place among the medical teams, and the patient was swiftly transferred to the Interventional Catheterization Unit, where a delicate procedure was performed to remove the life-threatening pulmonary clots via catheterization. The procedure was led by Dr. Rayan Halawani – Consultant of Interventional Radiology, in collaboration with the anesthesia team, and was completed in less than an hour.

Thanks to Allah and the expertise of the medical team, the patient’s vital signs improved immediately after the procedure. He was then transferred to the Cardiac Care Unit to continue his treatment under the supervision of a Consultant of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, until he fully recovered and was discharged in good health to resume his normal life.

This case is yet another clear example of the medical excellence and multidisciplinary collaboration at Al Mouwasat Hospital, reaffirming the hospital’s readiness to manage critical and life-saving cases with the highest standards of quality and speed—making a real difference in patients’ lives.

The Cardiac Surgery team at Mouwasat Hospital in Riyadh has achieved a remarkable success story, performing a highly complex and high-risk procedure on a patient in his sixties.

The patient arrived at the Emergency Department in critical condition, struggling with severe shortness of breath and lung congestion. Further evaluation revealed advanced weakness of the heart muscle, multiple blockages in the coronary arteries, and significant narrowing of both carotid arteries, reaching up to 90%.

Faced with these life-threatening challenges, a multidisciplinary team of cardiac surgeons, vascular surgeons, anesthesiologists, and intensive care specialists came together to carefully assess the case. After thoroughly explaining the condition and treatment options, the patient gave his consent to proceed with urgent surgery.

The operation included coronary artery bypass grafting along with a right carotid endarterectomy to restore blood flow and lower the risk of stroke. With God’s grace and the skill of the medical team, the patient recovered immediately after surgery without complications. Within just seven days, he was discharged in stable health and able to return to his normal life.

This successful outcome not only highlights the expertise and dedication of the medical staff but also reflects Mouwasat’s commitment to providing advanced, patient-centered care. By combining the latest medical technologies with highly specialized expertise, the hospital continues to deliver hope and healing in the most critical situations.

Al-Khobar – Mouwasat Hospital

In a significant medical achievement, the surgical team at Mouwasat Hospital in Al-Khobar, led by Dr. Hassan Al-Qambar, Consultant of General Surgery, Thoracic Surgery, Upper GI Surgery, Endoscopy, and Oncology Surgery, successfully performed a complex and delicate operation to remove a malignant tumor located in the middle of the chest and attached to the main arteries and heart. The procedure was carried out using advanced thoracoscopic (minimally invasive) surgical techniques, without the need for traditional open surgery.

Dr. Al-Qambar confirmed that the tumor was completely removed with the help of state-of-the-art technology that enabled the surgical team to avoid the significant risks associated with such a critical location. The operation was performed through small incisions using a high-precision thoracoscopic system, which minimized bleeding, reduced complications, and accelerated the patient’s recovery, allowing for a safe discharge from the hospital within a short period.

He further explained that the tumor was pressing on the heart and arteries, posing a serious threat to the patient’s life, and required both advanced surgical skills and specialized equipment—resources that are fully available at Mouwasat Hospital through its integrated medical environment and multidisciplinary expertise.

Dr. Al-Qambar highlighted that the use of minimally invasive thoracoscopic surgery in such high-risk cases significantly shortens recovery time, reduces pain, and makes it possible to treat conditions that were once considered too dangerous for intervention.

He concluded by reaffirming Mouwasat Hospital’s commitment to delivering advanced healthcare, continuously investing in medical expertise and cutting-edge technology, and maintaining its position as one of the leading medical centers in the Middle East.

A 31-year-old young man was rushed by ambulance to the Emergency Department at Mouwasat Hospital in Madinah after suddenly collapsing with violent seizures. He had turned blue in the face from lack of oxygen, and by the time he arrived, his condition was critical; his blood pressure had dropped to dangerous levels, his heart was racing, and he was barely conscious.

The emergency team acted immediately. Fluids were given, a breathing tube was placed, and he was connected to a ventilator to stabilize his oxygen levels. Blood tests and heart monitoring revealed severe abnormalities, and despite attempts with electric shocks, his heart stopped completely. At that moment, a Code Blue was called. The medical team began advanced resuscitation efforts, and after several tense minutes, his heart started beating again.

Further scans and a heart ultrasound pointed to the real cause: a massive blood clot blocking his pulmonary artery. Without hesitation, the doctors began clot-dissolving therapy and confirmed through CT imaging that the obstruction was life-threatening. He was quickly transferred to the catheterization lab, where the medical team successfully removed the clot.

The patient is getting better in the Intensive Care Unit today. He can breathe on his own again, is fully cognizant, and his vital signs are improving every day. His story serves as a reminder of God's grace and the tireless efforts and swift action of the medical team, who transformed a life-threatening situation into a possibility for new life.

A woman was brought to the Emergency Department at Mouwasat Hospital in Riyadh suffering from severe abdominal pain. She showed signs of intestinal obstruction and anemia, which left her extremely weak. After urgent scans and tests, doctors discovered a malignant tumor in the lower rectum that had also spread to the left ovary and uterus.

Given the seriousness of her condition, specialists from different departments quickly joined efforts to plan a life-saving surgery. The operation was led by Dr. Ahmed Abdel Fattah Habib, Consultant General Surgeon, who removed the tumor along with the affected section of the rectum and reconnected the colon to restore its function.

Working alongside him, Dr. Ahmed Al-Anwar, Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynecology, performed the removal of the uterus, both ovaries, and fallopian tubes. To protect the urinary system, Dr. Haitham Abdullah, Consultant Urologist, placed a stent in the left ureter. The combined expertise of the team ensured that every aspect of the case was carefully managed.

With God’s grace and the dedication of the medical staff, the surgery was successful. The patient recovered well and was discharged from the hospital in stable condition. She continues to attend regular follow-up visits in the surgery and oncology clinics to ensure close monitoring and ongoing care.

This case highlights not only the hospital’s advanced medical capabilities but also the spirit of teamwork and compassion that defines patient care at Mouwasat. It stands as a reminder that even in the most critical situations, coordinated expertise and modern medicine can restore hope and save lives.