Robotic Surgery Treats Hirschsprung’s Disease in Two-Year-Ancient at Saudi Hospital
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – In a significant medical advancement, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSH) in Jeddah successfully performed a robotic-assisted Soave pull-through procedure on a two-year-old child diagnosed with Hirschsprung’s disease . The surgery, completed in March 2026, utilized the Soave technique to address the rare congenital condition affecting the bowel.
Understanding Hirschsprung’s Disease
Hirschsprung’s disease is a rare disorder that impacts the normal functioning of the bowel . It occurs when a segment of the colon lacks the nerve cells necessary for proper waste movement, potentially leading to severe constipation and intestinal obstruction .
The Soave Pull-Through Procedure
The Soave pull-through technique involves removing the affected portion of the colon devoid of nerve cells and reconnecting the healthy segment to restore normal bowel function . In this case, the patient weighed approximately 10 kilograms at the time of the surgery .
Benefits of Robotic Assistance
Performing this complex surgery on young children presents unique challenges due to the limited space within the pelvic cavity and the proximity of vital nerves, muscles, and blood vessels . Robotic surgery offers enhanced precision, improved visualization, and greater control, enabling surgeons to navigate these complexities safely and effectively .
KFSH: A Leading Medical Institution
King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre is recognized as a leading medical institution, ranking first in the Middle East and North Africa and 12th globally among the top 250 academic health-tech institutions in 2026 . Brand Finance designated KFSH as the most valuable health brand in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East for 2025 . Newsweek has also acknowledged KFSH’s excellence, including it on its lists of the World’s Best Hospitals 2025, the World’s Best Smart Hospitals 2026, and the World’s Best Specialized Hospitals 2026 .
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