Post by : Mariam
Al-Faris
Khoula Hospital has successfully built a full program to treat spinal deformities, especially scoliosis, a condition that causes the spine to curve. The hospital started performing these surgeries in 2012. Over the years, the program has grown and improved a lot. Thanks to national support, these complicated surgeries can now be done inside the country.
Helping Young Children Get Early Treatment
Dr. Sultan Saif Al Kalbani, Head of the Spine Unit at Khoula Hospital and a specialist in orthopedic and spine surgery, shared that the hospital made a big step forward last year. They began offering treatment for scoliosis at an early stage, which allows them to help children while they are still young. Because of this, more than 50 children have already had successful surgeries.
No Need to Travel Abroad for Surgery
In the past, patients with scoliosis had to go outside Oman to get these surgeries. This caused a lot of stress for the families and cost them a lot of money. Now, thanks to local medical teams who are fully trained, people can get these surgeries done in their own country. This has saved families from both financial pressure and emotional stress.
One of the Best in the Region
Dr. Al Kalbani explained that Khoula Hospital is now one of the few hospitals in the Gulf and Middle East that can do these advanced spine surgeries. The hospital uses the latest medical techniques and tools. This includes a method called intraoperative nerve monitoring, which helps keep the nerves safe during surgery, and modern tools to fix the spine during the operation.
Using Robots and High-Tech Tools
The hospital has also started using new surgical technologies. These include robotic-assisted surgeries and advanced navigation systems. These tools help doctors be more accurate, lower the risk of mistakes, and make the surgeries more successful. Because of these steps, Khoula Hospital has become one of the first hospitals in the region to use such high-tech tools for spine surgeries in children.
Recording and Sharing Knowledge
Khoula Hospital has been carefully recording everything about its scoliosis treatment experience over the years. They have built a detailed unit for this purpose. This information helps train new doctors and improve the hospital’s medical services. It also allows the hospital to share its knowledge with others and support scientific growth.
Research with Artificial Intelligence
Dr. Al Kalbani shared that the hospital is now working on a new research project that uses artificial intelligence (AI). This project focuses on early screening for scoliosis in schools. The goal is to find the condition early, so fewer children will need major surgery later in life. This can make treatment easier and more effective.
Team Effort Behind the Success
The success of this program did not come from one person alone. It is the result of teamwork. Doctors, nurses, technicians, and healthcare managers have all worked hard together. They are now working on making the program even bigger. The hospital also wants to improve training and research to help even more patients in Oman and nearby countries.
Focus on Training the National Workforce
Dr. Al Kalbani said that training Omani doctors, nurses, and support staff is a very important part of the program. Staff members are trained through workshops in Oman and abroad. This helps them learn the latest skills, keep up with global standards, and provide the best care to patients. This investment in local professionals is one of the biggest reasons the program is doing so well.
People Trust Local Healthcare
More people in the country now understand how important it is to diagnose scoliosis early. Dr. Al Kalbani said he feels proud that people trust the healthcare system and especially Omani professionals. The fact that local doctors can now offer world-class treatment is helping build confidence in government healthcare services.
Aiming to Be a Regional Center
Dr. Rashid Mohammed Al Alawi, Director General of Khoula Hospital, said that the hospital wants to become a top center for spine surgeries in the whole region. He said that this dream is coming true because of continuous training, local and international medical fellowships, and strong research efforts. The hospital has published many studies on spine surgeries in well-known medical journals.
Putting Patients First
Dr. Al Alawi added that Khoula Hospital is not just trying to be the best in surgery. It also wants to give patients the best care. By using the latest technologies, like robotic surgeries, the hospital is helping patients recover faster, feel less pain, and return to their normal lives sooner.
Looking Forward with Hope
The hospital is continuing to grow its scoliosis treatment program. With more training, research, and teamwork, the hospital hopes to treat even more children and adults with spinal problems. The combination of skilled national professionals, modern technology, and strong public trust gives Khoula Hospital a bright future in spine care.
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