{"id":16445,"date":"2026-09-08T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-09-08T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/expat-times.com\/panama\/?p=16445"},"modified":"2026-09-08T10:38:08","modified_gmt":"2026-09-08T15:38:08","slug":"futuristic-surgical-breakthrough-ciudad-de-la-salud-unveils-new-era-of-robotic-urological-care-in-panama","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/expat-times.com\/panama\/health\/futuristic-surgical-breakthrough-ciudad-de-la-salud-unveils-new-era-of-robotic-urological-care-in-panama\/","title":{"rendered":"Robotic Urological Care Unleashes a New Era of Futuristic Surgical Breakthroughs at Ciudad de la Salud"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

For the first time in its history, Ciudad de la Salud in Panama has successfully completed reconstructive urological surgeries using robotic assistance, expanding treatment options for patients with complex conditions. The milestone marks a significant step forward for Panama robotic surgery capabilities and positions the hospital as a growing regional leader in minimally invasive procedures. Three patients underwent successful operations during the visit of a New York-based specialist who worked alongside local surgeons to transfer advanced techniques.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

New York Expert Transfers Advanced Surgical Expertise<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Lee C. Zhao, a distinguished urological reconstructive surgeon from New York with more than two decades of robotic surgery experience, traveled to Panama to teach local physicians how to manage complicated cases. During his two-day stay, he demonstrated techniques that can appear deceptively simple in experienced hands. Dr. El\u00edas Bodden, head of Urology at Ciudad de la Salud, described the visit as an honor, noting that Zhao’s 15-plus years focused on reconstructive procedures brings invaluable perspective to the surgical team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The specialist’s expertise encompasses a broad spectrum of reconstructive work. Beyond the procedures performed in Panama, Dr. Zhao has extensive experience with phalloplasty reconstructions and sex reassignment surgeries. His background spans open, laparoscopic, and robotic approaches, giving him a rare versatility that Panamanian surgeons can learn from. Dr. Bodden emphasized that continuous learning and staying current with new techniques directly benefits patient outcomes at the facility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"These
These tools seek to establish self-sufficient surgical capabilities. By Toumai.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Complex Fistula and Stricture Repairs Performed<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The three cases completed during the visit addressed some of the most challenging urological conditions. One patient suffered from urethral narrowing following a prostatectomy, a common complication that can dramatically affect quality of life. The robotic reconstruction restored proper urine flow. A second case involved a ureteral stricture in a patient who had previously undergone bladder removal with an ileal conduit. Repairing this narrowing required precise surgical navigation around scarred tissue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The third procedure involved a particularly delicate fistula repair between the urethra and rectum. This condition, known as a rectourethral fistula, can allow urine to enter the rectal area or stool to pass into the urinary tract, creating significant discomfort and risk of infection. Dr. Zhao noted that urethral repairs rank among the most complicated robotic procedures performed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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‘One of them was a narrowing in the urethra, after a prostatectomy, performing a reconstruction so the patient could urinate properly,’ he said [Translated from Spanish].<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

\"The
The Toumai System is revolutionizing robotic surgery in Panama. By Toumai Systems.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Panama Robotic Surgery Advances With Toumai System<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Ciudad de la Salud <\/a>team utilized the Toumai robotic system<\/a>, a novel platform that represents the latest generation of surgical robotics. This technology provides enhanced visualization and facilitates intricate suturing, which is critical in reconstructive procedures where precision determines functional outcomes. Dr. Bodden highlighted that the use of such advanced systems signals the hospital’s commitment to adopting cutting-edge medical technology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Zhao explained that robotic assistance<\/a> transforms how surgeons approach complex anatomy. The enhanced visualization allows for better identification of tissue planes and reduces the difficulty of placing sutures in confined spaces. His goal extends beyond performing these surgeries himself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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‘My objective in visiting your wonderful hospital is to help the doctors here to be able to do these operations in Panama and to offer these interventions that I have performed in New York, here in Panama, without my assistance all the time,’ he stated [Translated from Spanish].<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

\"Ciudad
Ciudad de la Salud is revolutionizing medicine in Panama. By Css.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Building Self-Sufficient Surgical Capacity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The long-term vision behind this collaboration involves creating sustainable local expertise. By having Panamanian surgeons participate directly alongside an international expert, the hospital builds institutional knowledge that remains long after the visiting specialist departs. Dr. Zhao’s stated mission was precisely this: to enable local doctors to perform these complex procedures independently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The timing of this milestone aligns with broader healthcare modernization efforts across Panama. As more hospitals in Latin America invest in robotic platforms, the training of skilled operators becomes a critical bottleneck. Ciudad de la Salud has now demonstrated that it can host advanced Panama robotic surgery training collaborations and apply them to real patient care immediately. The successful completion of all three procedures confirms the technical readiness of the local surgical team and support staff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In summary, the inaugural robotic <\/a>urological reconstructive surgeries at Ciudad de la Salud represent more than a single clinical achievement. They establish a foundation for ongoing collaboration, technology adoption, and specialized training that will benefit patients across Panama who face complex urological conditions. The hospital has positioned itself to offer treatments previously only available abroad, reducing the need for Panamanians to travel internationally for advanced care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n