Doctors in Saudi Arabia used robotic surgery to treat a two-year-old boy suffering from Hirschsprung’s disease/Image: SPA

Doctors in Saudi Arabia have performed a complex robotic surgery on a two-year-old boy suffering from Hirschsprung’s disease, a rare condition that affects the functioning of the intestine.The baby, weighing about 10 kilograms, was treated at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center (KFSH) in Jeddah. Hirschsprung’s disease occurs when part of the colon does not have the nerve cells needed to move waste through the body. This can cause severe constipation and, in severe cases, intestinal blockage.To treat this, doctors performed a procedure known as the Soave pull-through. In simple terms, it involves removing the part of the colon that is not functioning properly and connecting the healthy part so that the intestine can function normally again.It is not easy to perform this surgery on small children. The space inside a baby’s pelvis is very small, and important nerves, muscles and blood vessels are located close to the area to be operated on. Any mistake can affect the way the intestine works in the long run.This is where robotic assistance played an important role. The robotic system gave surgeons a clear view and allowed them to operate with greater control and precision. This made it easier to handle the delicate tissues and carry out the procedure safely.This case highlights how advanced technology is being used to handle difficult medical situations, especially in children where surgery is more sensitive.KFSH said the process reflects its continued focus on using modern medical technologies to improve treatment outcomes.The hospital has also received several global recognitions. It was ranked 1st in the Middle East and North Africa and 12th worldwide among the Top 250 Academic Medical Centers for 2026. It has also been named the most valuable healthcare brand in Saudi Arabia and the wider region for 2025 by Brand Finance.Additionally, KFSH has been listed among the World’s Best Hospitals 2025, World’s Best Smart Hospitals 2026 and World’s Best Specialty Hospitals 2026 by Newsweek.