Riyadh: King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSH) in Riyadh has successfully employed robotic technology for deep brain stimulation surgery, marking a significant achievement in treating movement disorders. This milestone represents the first time such procedures have been performed in the Middle East and North Africa using this advanced approach. The integration of robotic systems into the surgery process allowed for precise planning and guided electrode placement deep within the brain, minimizing manual steps traditionally involved in such surgeries.
According to Saudi Press Agency, KFSH's Neuroscience Centre of Excellence has integrated advanced imaging, real-time navigation, and robotic guidance to enhance surgical precision. This method allows surgeons to define surgical trajectories and reach brain targets with submillimeter accuracy, an essential factor when operating on sensitive areas that manage movement and other neurological functions.
The robotic system streamlines the process by combining planning, targeting, and guidance into a single platform, unlike the traditional frame-guided approach that involves multiple separate steps. This integration reduces procedural steps and lowers the risk of error, which is crucial in surgeries requiring high precision and safety.
Deep brain stimulation is a treatment option for movement disorders, involving the implantation of an electrode to deliver regulated electrical pulses to a specific brain area. This treatment helps mitigate symptoms like tremors and rigidity, especially when medication is insufficient, thereby improving patients' quality of life.
For eligible patients, the robotic-assisted approach could result in smaller surgical openings, reduced impact on surrounding tissue, shorter operating times, faster recovery, and greater post-procedure comfort. It also supports more consistent outcomes in surgeries requiring deep brain electrode placement.
The procedure is a collaborative effort among specialists in movement disorders, neurosurgeons, neuroanesthesia teams, operative neurosurgical nurses, and other experts, ensuring a comprehensive care model from diagnosis to surgical planning and follow-up.
King Faisal Specialist Hospital is recognized as the top academic medical center in the Middle East and North Africa and ranks 12th globally among the world's leading 250 Academic Medical Centers for 2026. It holds the title of the most valuable healthcare brand in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, as noted by Brand Finance 2026, and is listed by Newsweek among the World's Best Hospitals, Smart Hospitals, and Specialized Hospitals for 2026.