Surgeons at Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute and Research Centre in Lahore have successfully carried out Pakistan’s first-ever robotic Whipple surgery, marking a breakthrough in the country’s cancer and liver treatment capabilities.
Officials said the highly complex procedure, used to treat pancreatic and bile duct cancers, along with Pakistan’s first robotic right hemi-hepatectomy, shows growing capacity within public-sector hospitals to provide advanced minimally invasive surgeries locally.
PKLI Dean Dr. Faisal Saud Dar said the institute has now completed nearly 500 robotic surgeries across multiple specialties, allowing complex pancreatic and liver procedures to be performed in Pakistan without patients traveling abroad.
The Whipple procedure, traditionally conducted through large open incisions, often involves long recovery periods and higher risks.
Robotic surgery, however, allows surgeons to operate through small incisions with greater precision, resulting in reduced blood loss, fewer complications, and faster recovery for patients.
Dr. Dar credited continued support from the Punjab government for enabling investment in modern surgical technology and specialist training.
He added that the government is considering adopting PKLI’s management model for future healthcare institutions.
The achievement coincided with PKLI’s international medical symposium, which attracted thousands of delegates and global experts, including representatives associated with the World Health Organization, highlighting Pakistan’s growing role in advanced surgical training and healthcare innovation.
