British-Pakistani surgeon Dr Amer Raza’s programme has completed more than 400 single-port robotic gynaecological procedures at Cromwell Hospital. It was reported as the milestone of a new British record.
The Nishtar Medical College, Multan, graduate leads the hospital’s endometriosis and robotic surgery services. He has worked in Britain for more than 25 years.
His team has expanded from benign gynaecological procedures to complex endometriosis operations. Single-port surgery uses one abdominal entry point for the camera and instruments. Conventional multi-port surgery generally requires several incisions.
Cromwell confirms it pioneered UK gynaecological surgery using the da Vinci SP system. Surgeons control its instruments from a console.
Training surgeons from around the world
The programme also attracts visiting surgeons from Europe, the United States and elsewhere.
“More than 100 surgeons from the UK and abroad have visited our centre to learn about single-port robotic gynaecological surgery. Surgeons and consultants travel to London to observe us carrying out complex single-port robotic operations, exchange experience and learn how the technology can be applied to some of the most challenging cases in gynaecological surgery,” Dr Raza said.
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He also holds Master Surgeon accreditations in Robotic Surgery and Advanced Endometriosis Care. He is Europe’s only consultant holding both.
The US-based Surgical Review Corporation awarded these after reviewing his practice, outcomes, complications, governance and patient care.
Three years earlier, his team set another reported record at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital. That two-day da Vinci surgery programme included 12 major operations in one day.
Treating complex endometriosis
The World Health Organization estimates endometriosis affects 190 million reproductive-age women worldwide, approximately 10%. It can cause severe menstrual and pelvic pain, alongside infertility.
Dr Raza highlighted disease involving pelvic organs, the bowel, bladder, urinary tract, nerves and diaphragm.
“Our work covers some of the most difficult forms of endometriosis, including complex disease affecting the bowel, urinary tract and diaphragm, as well as robotic hysterectomy, myomectomy and other advanced gynaecological procedures. I believe that complex endometriosis cannot be treated by one surgeon alone. My philosophy is that surgery should form only one part of a woman’s endometriosis journey, with diagnosis, recovery, pain management, fertility, psychological wellbeing and long-term support all forming part of comprehensive care.”
Bringing expertise to Pakistan
Dr Raza also wants to share advances in robotics, artificial intelligence and surgical education internationally.
“I regularly travel to Pakistan to help patients and new doctors. Pakistan gave me education, identity and resources to be able to make an impact in the UK health care system. I will be working with partners in Pakistan to transfer the same technology and procedures to Pakistan, where there is a serious need for upgraded medical care.
“I have made it a mission to train the next generation of surgeons, raising awareness of endometriosis and other neglected women’s health conditions, and strengthening collaboration between clinicians in Pakistan, the UK and internationally. Innovation has real value only when it improves patient care, and knowledge has greater value when we share it.”
