Latest news with #medicalbreakthrough
Arab News
2 days ago
- Health
- Arab News
Saudi conjoined twins' health stable days after separation surgery, chief program doctor confirms
RIYADH: Eight-month-old Saudi conjoined twins who were separated last week by Saudi surgeons from the Saudi Conjoined Twins Program remain in stable condition, Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah confirmed on Monday. Al-Rabeeah, who heads the program's medical and surgical team and serves as the supervisor general of KSrelief, said that conjoined twins Yara and Lara are showing positive signs of healing after undergoing surgery last week at King Abdullah Specialist Children's Hospital in King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh. 'All the twins' vital signs have returned to normal, and they remain on artificial respiration in the intensive care unit,' he said. 'Their intestinal functions have begun to resume, and nutrition will gradually be introduced through a nasogastric feeding tube. The twins are under close observation and are receiving antibiotics to prevent infection,' he added. Al-Rabeeah noted that the surgical wounds are healing well and expressed hope that artificial respiration could be discontinued within the next four days, the Saudi Press Agency reported. Yara and Lara were conjoined at the lower abdomen and pelvis, sharing parts of the small intestine, colon, urinary, and reproductive systems, as well as a pelvic bone. They were born on Nov. 5, 2024, weighing a total of 10 kg, with independent upper and lower limbs. The surgery on July 17 lasted 12.5 hours over nine stages. It involved a team of 38 specialists, including pediatric surgeons, anesthesiologists, urologists, plastic surgeons, orthopedists and other support staff. The Saudi Conjoined Twins Program has assessed 150 cases from 27 countries over 35 years, separating 65 of those cases. Yara and Lara are the 16th successful separation of Saudi twins among 45 nationals that the program has examined, the SPA added.
Fox News
5 days ago
- Health
- Fox News
AI robot performs gallbladder surgery autonomously
Robots trained by watching expert surgeons can now perform complex operations with little human help. This breakthrough is happening right now. For the first time, an autonomous surgical robot completed a key phase of gallbladder removal on a lifelike patient. It worked independently and adapted in real time to unexpected challenges. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my Unlike previous surgical robots that followed rigid, pre-programmed instructions, the new system, named Surgical Robot Transformer-Hierarchy (SRT-H), was trained using hours of surgery videos. Researchers at Johns Hopkins University fed the robot visual data and captions describing each step of the procedure. This approach allowed SRT-H to learn the sequence and nuances of gallbladder surgery, including identifying ducts and arteries, placing clips and making precise cuts. What sets SRT-H apart is its ability to respond to voice commands from the surgical team. For example, the robot can understand instructions like "grab the gallbladder head" or "move the left arm a bit to the left." This interactive feedback loop enables the robot to learn and self-correct, much like a surgical resident guided by a mentor. During trials, SRT-H demonstrated remarkable adaptability. It performed the 17-step gallbladder removal process with 100% accuracy, even when researchers altered its starting position or changed the appearance of tissues using blood-like dyes. The robot's performance matched that of skilled human surgeons, handling unexpected scenarios with composure and precision. "This advancement moves us from robots that can execute specific surgical tasks to robots that truly understand surgical procedures," said Axel Krieger, lead researcher at Johns Hopkins University. Traditional surgical robots have made procedures less invasive, but they still rely heavily on human control. The autonomous surgical robot represents a step forward by combining mechanical precision with the ability to adapt and make decisions in real time. This technology could one day lead to fully autonomous surgeries, potentially improving outcomes and expanding access to high-quality surgical care worldwide. The success of SRT-H in gallbladder surgery is just the beginning. Researchers plan to train the robot on a wider range of procedures and further enhance its capabilities. The ultimate goal is a robot that can perform entire surgeries autonomously, adapting to the unique anatomy and challenges of each patient. If you've ever faced a long wait for surgery or worried about human error in the operating room, this breakthrough could directly affect your care. Autonomous surgical robots like SRT-H promise faster procedures, fewer complications and better access, especially in rural or underserved areas. With their ability to learn from real surgeries and adjust in real time, these robots could support overworked surgical teams and help reduce burnout. For patients, that means more consistent outcomes and shorter recovery times. While fully autonomous surgery isn't available in U.S. hospitals just yet, the technology is moving fast. What happened in a research lab today could be part of your next hospital visit sooner than you think. The arrival of autonomous surgical robots is changing medicine fast. By combining artificial intelligence, machine learning and real-time feedback, these robots are ready to transform the operating room. As this technology improves, the gap between human skill and robotic precision will continue to shrink. This shift promises a future where surgery is safer and more efficient than ever before. If a robot can perform surgery with the skill of a top surgeon, would you trust an AI machine to operate on you or your loved ones? Let us know by writing us at Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
'It was incredibly moving to hear' - York dad welcomes medical breakthrough
A YORK dad whose son was diagnosed with an extremely rare form of a life-limiting illness has welcomed news of a medical breakthrough. Sid Gornall, who lives in Holgate, has welcomed the publication of new research highlighting the early success of mitochondrial donation – a pioneering form of IVF designed to reduce the transmission of certain types of mitochondrial disease. Recommended reading: York teenager wins gold for England for third time 'These are tremendously exciting times' - sports stars back North Yorkshire estate Famous York cafe setting up shop at North Yorkshire stately home As The Press has previously reported, his son Bill, who is now 13 and goes to Manor CE School, was diagnosed with mitochondrial disease MELAS in 2020, a rare disorder that begins in childhood and mostly affects the nervous system and muscles. Bill Gornall (Image: Supplied) "The news of the breakthrough in mitochondrial donation was incredibly moving to hear," said Sid. "It gives much needed hope to any families who have children battling this devastating disease but also gives great hope for parents who have lost children. "All of the fundraising is in the hope that one day a treatment or a cure will be found. This weekend we will spend time with other families supported by the Lily Foundation and celebrate this incredible breakthrough and strengthen our resolve to spread the word about mitochondrial disease and continue fundraising to find a cure." Sid Gornall has fundraised for the Lily Foundation (Image: Supplied) The Lily Foundation is the UK's leading mitochondrial disease charity, and says the technique offers the potential for parents to have healthy, genetically related children without passing on faulty mitochondrial DNA. Liz Curtis, founder and CEO of the Surrey-based charity, said: 'After years of waiting, we now know that eight babies have been born using this technique, all showing no signs of mitochondrial disease. For many affected families, it's the first real hope of breaking the cycle of this inherited condition.' Mitochondrial disease is caused by faults in the mitochondria – tiny structures within cells that produce over 90 per cent of the body's energy. Every year, around one baby in 5000 is born with mitochondrial DNA mutations that can cause the disease. Despite years of research, there is currently no cure. Mitochondrial donation works by transferring the nuclear DNA from an affected woman's egg into a healthy donor egg with functioning mitochondria. The technique remains in the early stages and long-term outcomes are still being studied. However, this new research from the Newcastle University-based team who first pioneered the technique marks a significant milestone in what has been a years-long journey of scientific innovation, ethical debate and policy development. 'At its heart, mitochondrial donation is about choice,' said Ms Curtis. 'This breakthrough gives families more options to have healthy children and is a powerful reminder that mitochondrial research is moving forward – and hope is very much alive.' Bill and his dad, Sid (Image: Supplied)
Arab News
6 days ago
- Health
- Arab News
Saudi surgeons successfully separate conjoined 7-month-old twins in 15-hour operation
RIYADH: Surgeons in Saudi Arabia successfully separated 7-month-old conjoined twins during a 15-hour operation at King Abdullah Specialist Children's Hospital in Riyadh on Thursday. Muaid Al-Shehri, the father of the twins, Yara and Lara, described the operation as a profound and emotional moment for his family. 'The support has been great,' he said. 'Honestly, the joy after the separation of the twins is indescribable; it's a completely different kind of happiness. 'There was absolutely no hesitation when we were told the twins could be separated — it was pure joy. It was truly something extraordinary. We thank God and are deeply grateful for our great nation.' The twins were joined at the lower abdomen and pelvis. They had separate upper and lower limbs but shared some organs in the lower abdomen and pelvis. Speaking to Arab News before the operation was completed, Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, an adviser to the Royal Court and general supervisor of Saudi aid agency KSrelief, said that one of the main difficulties surgeons faced was working in a small space where several critical anatomical features overlapped. 'The big challenge here is that we are working in a narrow space where many structures join,: he said. 'We're talking about a joint rectum, joint parts of the urinary bladder. 'This case is complex. It involves many doctors, specialists and technicians. We are expecting 38 members to participate in this surgery, from consultants, specialists (to) technicians, nurses. 'It is a delicate surgery. We expect to lose some blood but I am confident in my colleagues and their experience. We have done similar cases in the past with success, and I'm sure that (God willing) this case will be another achievement for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.' The surgery was the 65th operation of its kind in the 35-year history of the Saudi Conjoined Twins Program. Al-Rabeeah said that the work of the program continues far beyond surgery. 'The case does not end with the separation,' he explained. 'First of all, immediately after separation they will need a lot of extensive care in the pediatric intensive care unit to ensure that they recover very well. 'When they recover from surgery, they will be subjected to an intensive rehabilitation and physiotherapy program so that they will be able to be active and will be able to sit and stand outdoors.' Cases such as this one reflect the broader transformation of the Kingdom's healthcare sector in line with the goals of the Saudi Vision 2030 plan for national development and diversification, Al-Rabeeah said. 'This is one of the most complex surgeries that are done worldwide, and Saudi Arabia is leading the world,' he added. 'So this is actually a reflection of the (Vision 2030) that the healthcare of Saudi Arabia will not only be of a high standard but also filled with capable young boys and girls from Saudi Arabia.' Dorrah Alsaadoon, a social worker assisting the family at the hospital, told Arab News that the provision of support is essential to help prepare relatives for the separation surgery. 'Psychological and social support helps the family cope with fear and anxiety, strengthens their ability to adapt, and gives them the emotional strength to face the challenges of surgery and beyond with resilience and hope,' she said. 'My role, as a social worker responsible for conjoined twins, is to provide emotional and psychological support to the family, prepare them mentally for the surgery, help them understand the medical process, and ease their anxiety before and during the operation.' She also highlighted the fact that the care provided to the family will continue long after the operation. 'Post-surgery support systems include psychological and social support, sessions to help parents emotionally prepare for reconnecting with their children after the changes, and guidance to help them adjust to the new demands of daily life,' Alsaadoon said. She added that the twins themselves will also require physical and psychological support. 'After surgery, the twins need physical rehabilitation to strengthen their muscles and learn independent movement, and psychological support to help them adjust to their new bodies, build a sense of identity and develop independence.'
The Independent
6 days ago
- Health
- The Independent
The IVF technique that created healthy babies from three sets of DNA
Researchers at Newcastle University have demonstrated a pioneering three-person IVF technique known as mitochondrial donation therapy. This advanced therapy is designed to prevent children from inheriting severe health conditions from their mothers. The process involves transferring genetic material from a mother's fertilised egg into a donor's fertilised egg, which has had its nucleus removed, ensuring the resulting embryo has healthy mitochondria. Eight healthy babies, four boys and four girls, have been delivered using this method, successfully avoiding their parents' incurable genetic disorders. Watch the video in full above.
