King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre in Jeddah performed a robotic surgery procedure on a two-year-old child weighing approximately 10 kilograms, using the Soave pull-through technique to treat Hirschsprung’s disease. The hospital confirmed the procedure in March 2026.
Hirschsprung’s disease is a rare congenital disorder that impairs normal bowel movement. In some cases, the condition can progress to intestinal obstruction, making timely surgical intervention critical.
What the Soave Technique Involves
The Soave pull-through technique addresses the condition by removing the affected segment of the colon, which lacks nerve cells, and reconnecting the healthy portion. This allows the remaining bowel to function normally. The use of robotic surgery in this procedure enabled high-precision execution and clearer visualization of the surgical site.
Why Robotic Surgery Presents Unique Challenges in Children
These procedures carry a high degree of complexity when performed on young children. The narrow pelvic cavity and limited working space create significant surgical constraints. Moreover, the proximity of nerves, muscles, and blood vessels associated with excretory function to the operative site demands precise tissue handling to support stable post-operative outcomes.
Hospital Rankings and Recognition
King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre holds the first position in the Middle East and North Africa region and ranks 12th globally among the top 250 academic health-tech institutions worldwide for 2026. Brand Finance named it the highest-value health brand in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East for 2025. Newsweek also included the hospital in its lists of the world’s best hospitals for 2025, best smart hospitals for 2026, and best specialized hospitals for 2026.
Context and Future Outlook
The hospital stated that this procedure reflects its approach of adopting advanced medical technologies for complex cases. The institution said the goal is to improve the quality of specialized care and enhance patient outcomes. Procedures of this nature contribute to the broader development of pediatric surgical capabilities in the Kingdom. Furthermore, the application of robotic surgery in pediatric cases remains a growing area of clinical focus across the region’s leading medical centers.
“This procedure reflects the hospital’s approach in adopting advanced medical technologies and applying them in the treatment of complex cases, contributing to the development of specialized care quality and enhancing its outcomes.”
King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Official Statement