Doha, Qatar - The View Hospital, in affiliation with Cedars-Sinai, has become the first private hospital in Qatar to perform navigated spine surgery. The procedure was led by Dr. Sirajeddin Belkhair, Consultant Neurosurgeon, marking the simultaneous introduction of three advanced surgical technologies that set a new benchmark for precision-driven spine care in the country.
Navigated spine surgery is a computer-assisted technique that combines real-time, three-dimensional imaging, including CT scans and intraoperative 3D fluoroscopy with optical tracking technology, this enables surgeons to guide spinal instrumentation with millimeter-level precision while continuously visualizing the patient’s anatomy throughout the procedure.
Central to this advancement is the Loop-X by Brainlab, the first intraoperative CT machine in a private hospital in Qatar. This technology allows the surgical team to perform a CT scan during the procedure, confirming the accuracy of implant placement before wound closure and reducing the likelihood of corrective interventions.
In addition, Dr. Belkhair utilized virtual reality technology to pre-plan spinal screw placement prior to the procedure. Using specialized smart glasses, he was able to visualize the patient's CT scan in a fully immersive 3D environment, enabling a level of surgical planning and precision that had not previously been integrated into spinal procedures in Qatar.
The procedure was completed successfully, and the patient was discharged in under 48 hours, reflecting both the clinical effectiveness of the technique and the improved recovery outcomes associated with navigated, minimally disruptive spinal surgery.
Commenting on the procedure, Dr. Sirajeddin Belkhair, Consultant Neurosurgeon, said: "The integration of navigation, intraoperative imaging, and virtual reality allows us to approach spine surgery with a level of precision and confidence that significantly enhances patient safety. This technology enables more accurate planning and execution, which directly translates into better outcomes and faster recovery for our patients."
Dr. Fatih Mehmet Gul, Chief Executive Officer of Apex Health – Qatar, added: "This milestone reflects our ongoing commitment to bringing the most advanced surgical capabilities to our patients in Qatar. By investing in cutting-edge technology and attracting world-class clinical talent, we continue to raise the bar for what is possible in private healthcare."
This milestone reinforces The View Hospital’s position as a leader in advanced surgical innovation, as it continues to expand its capabilities and deliver world-class, evidence-based care aligned with the highest international standards.
About The View Hospital:
The View Hospital in affiliation with Cedars-Sinai, is under the aegis of Apex Health, a subsidiary of Estithmar Holding. It is a modern healthcare institution that focuses on world-class clinical excellence with a mission to become the hospital of choice, providing the highest, measurable care to its clients. Building on its clinical excellence and international partnership approach with Cedars-Sinai, The View Hospital delivers outstanding clinical expertise through highly experienced multi-disciplinary professional teams and systems.
With 240 single private suites, 10 operating rooms and 23 intensive care beds, The View Hospital provides primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare services. Our operating rooms are equipped with the most advanced technology, allowing us to do minimally invasive surgery and imaging during operations.
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