Beirut, Lebanon – September 17, 2026 | LAU Medical Center–Rizk Hospital officially introduced the most advanced and comprehensive Robotic Surgery Program in the region during a dedicated roundtable event held on September 17, marking a new advancement in minimally invasive surgical care. The gathering highlighted the capabilities of robotic-assisted surgery and explored how advanced technology can complement surgical expertise and patient-centered care.
Held at the medical center, the event was led by the presence of Dr. Chaouki T. Abdallah LAU President, Dr. Zeina Khouri-Stevens LAU Executive Vice President for Health Services, Mr. Sami Rizk CEO of LAU Medical Center–Rizk Hospital, Dr. Karl Jallad Chief Medical Officer of the Health System, among other university leaders. The event also featured robotic surgery experts Prof. Eddie Abdalla, Dr. Malek Meskawi, and Dr. Bassel Abou Zeid, alongside representatives from General Medical Equipment (GME), journalists, and members of the LAU Medical Center–Rizk Hospital medical and administrative teams.
At the core of the LAU Robotic Surgery Program is a team of highly specialized, American Board-Certified surgeons with years of hands-on robotic surgery training and experience across hepatobiliary and general surgery, minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, and urologic surgery. The robot, The da Vinci Xi, serves as an extension of their expertise, offering enhanced visualization, dexterity, and precision while keeping the surgeon fully in control of every procedure and clinical decision. Together, advanced technology and specialized expertise enable a higher level of minimally invasive surgical care, while remaining rooted in compassion.
The discussion further emphasized that the robot is only as powerful as the expertise behind it. Rather than replacing the surgeon, it amplifies their capabilities, allowing them to make the most of its advanced functions while applying their clinical judgment and experience throughout the procedure. This combination of technology and human expertise remains central to the LAU Medical Centers approach to care.
Reflecting on the program’s significance, Dr. Chaouki T. Abdallah, LAU President, emphasized that while technology continues to advance, “care will always remain human,” adding that LAU Medical Centers are embracing innovation to support its mission of providing compassionate care.
Dr. Zeina Khouri-Stevens, LAU EVP for Health Services, highlighted the program as “a major milestone for LAU Medical Centers,” bringing together advanced, multidisciplinary expertise across multiple services to enhance patient care.
Dr. Karl Jallad, CMO of the LAU Health System, underscored that the program is made possible by “the expertise, dedication, and collaboration of every team member involved.”
Following the media roundtable, guests were invited on a tour of the robotic operating room to discover the new da Vinci Xi robotic surgical system firsthand and learn more about its capabilities. The tour was followed by a lunch gathering, offering an opportunity for further conversation and exchange among attendees.
The launch of the most advanced and comprehensive Robotic Surgery Program reflects LAU Medical Center–Rizk Hospital’s commitment to advancing clinical care through innovation, medical expertise, and education, while remaining rooted in compassionate healing and patient-centered support.