MUSCAT : Dr. Yaqoub bin Salam Al Hadhrami, Senior Consultant and Head of the Respiratory Diseases Unit at the Royal Hospital, said the service is already operational, with between two and four procedures conducted weekly, all of which have been successful.

Speaking to the Oman News Agency, he explained that the procedure is a minimally invasive endoscopic technique that eliminates the need for conventional surgery. Patients benefit from shorter hospital stays – often only a few hours – minimal anaesthesia, and a small incision of two to three centimetres, compared to traditional surgical procedures that require general anaesthesia and several days of hospitalization.

He noted that the procedure is particularly beneficial for diagnosing lung and pleural diseases of unknown origin, and for patients who may face higher risks from surgery, making this technique a safer alternative.

Dr. Al Hadhrami added that the use of thoracoscopy significantly reduces recovery time and risks, and in many cases removes the need for extended hospitalization.

He described the introduction of thoracoscopy as a qualitative advancement in respiratory healthcare services in Oman, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and providing effective treatment options for various lung and pleural conditions.

He also noted that the Royal Hospital is the first government hospital in Oman to offer this advanced procedure, which will support patient care across the Sultanate, strengthen integration among healthcare institutions, and reinforce the hospital’s role in adopting modern medical technologies.

The service enables direct examination of the chest cavity and the collection of targeted tissue samples, improving diagnostic precision while offering effective treatment options in line with the latest medical practices.

The introduction of thoracoscopy is part of ongoing efforts to develop specialised services and enhance coordination between clinical units, ensuring the delivery of accurate, safe, and high-quality healthcare.

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