Press Release

DUBAI: Dr Daniel Lee demonstrates the use of the robot in cochlear implant surgery with his colleague as Dr Mondy Hammad looks on (R-L Dr Mondy Hammad, Dr Daniel Lee, Dr Able David)

DUBAI: The Tarabichi Stammberger Ear and Sinus Institute (TSESI) has taken a monumental step in advancing healthcare innovation with the successful completion of its first-ever robot-assisted cochlear implant surgery training for ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) specialists. The course titled 22nd TSESI Endoscopic Ear, Temporal Bone and Cochlear Implant Cadaver Dissection Course was led by Dr. Daniel Lee, Associate Professor of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School in Boston and was held at a local surgical skills training center in Dubai.

“Cochlear implant surgery is a well-established technique; however, as surgeons, our goal is to minimize trauma to the inner ear. Robotic technology allows for precise, slow, and delicate placement of the implant, making the process gentler and safer. While the surgeon remains crucial for proper placement, the robot helps preserve inner ear structure and residual hearing. It also enables the successful placement of longer electrode arrays to capture a broader range of sounds,” said Dr. Lee. 

“The use of the robot lowers the stress to the inner ear because the implant array is placed more gently. We may see over time, which would be one of our hypotheses, that patients may experience less balance problems or vestibular issues after surgery and that would, in fact, translate into a reduced recovery period for some patients,” he added.

Dr. Lee further said that “Robot assisted Cochlear implant surgery is a relatively recent phenomenon that was approved in the United States and it is slowly being deployed across centers in the US, but it's still extremely new technology. This is the first time we’ve assisted in training surgeons on this exciting new robotic technology for cochlear implant surgery training, and we are thrilled to share it with our esteemed colleagues here in the UAE.”

Echoing his thoughts, course director and cofounder, Tarabichi Mondy Cochlear Implant Center Dr. Mondy Hammad said that, “Robot-assisted cochlear implant surgery represents a monumental leap forward in the field of hearing restoration. The integration of robotic technology in cochlear implant surgeries is a game-changer. By improving precision and minimizing risk, we are not only enhancing the surgical experience for doctors but also offering better outcomes for patients. The UAE is ready to position itself at the forefront of this technology, and we’re thrilled to be part of this first-of its kind training for otolaryngologists.”

A Leap Forward for Healthcare in the UAE

The event attracted leading ENT surgeons from across the UAE and the wider Gulf region, all eager to learn how robotics can support them in performing complex surgeries with greater accuracy. The training program also focused on the critical aspects of surgical planning, intraoperative navigation, and post-operative care using robotic-assisted techniques. 

“This pioneering event underscores our commitment as leaders and innovators in advancing the UAE’s position as a global leader in medical innovation and a hub for advanced healthcare and surgical training. By hosting cutting-edge programs such as the robot-assisted cochlear implant surgery training, we at TSESI aim at attracting global expertise to the UAE and invest in the development and growth of healthcare professionals across the region, Cofounder TSESI Dr. Muaaz Tarabichi said.

"We are proud to host Dr. Daniel Lee and his team in the UAE and look forward to future collaborations aimed at bringing this advanced technology to the Emirates," he further added.