Pakistan marked a major breakthrough in advanced cancer care as surgeons at the Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute and Research Centre (PKLI) successfully carried out the country’s first robotic Whipple surgery, officials said on Sunday.
The complex procedure — primarily used to treat pancreatic and bile duct cancers — was performed using minimally invasive robotic technology, significantly reducing surgical risks and recovery time compared to traditional open surgery.
PKLI also reported conducting Pakistan’s first robotic right hemi-hepatectomy, a highly intricate liver operation, underscoring the growing capacity of local institutions to handle advanced surgical cases that previously required treatment abroad.
PKLI Dean Dr. Faisal Saud Dar said the institute has now completed nearly 500 robotic surgeries across multiple specialties, reflecting the rapid development of expertise in public-sector healthcare.
The Whipple procedure, regarded as one of the most technically demanding abdominal surgeries, has historically involved large incisions and prolonged recovery periods. Robotic assistance enables surgeons to operate through small incisions with enhanced precision, reduced blood loss and fewer post-operative complications.
Dr. Dar credited the Punjab government’s continued investment in cutting-edge surgical technology and specialist training for enabling the milestone. He added that PKLI’s governance and management model could serve as a blueprint for future healthcare institutions across Pakistan.
The achievement coincided with PKLI’s international medical symposium, which drew global health experts, including representatives from the World Health Organization. Officials said the event highlighted Pakistan’s emerging footprint in advanced surgical training and medical innovation.
Healthcare analysts say the development signals a shift in Pakistan’s medical landscape, positioning the country as an emerging regional hub for high-end surgical care.
