MUSCAT: The Royal Hospital has launched a medical thoracoscopy service as an advanced diagnostic and therapeutic procedure to enhance the management of respiratory diseases and improve precision in chest care.
Dr Yaqoub bin Salam al Hadhrami, Senior Consultant and Head of the Respiratory Diseases Unit at the Royal Hospital, said the service is being performed at a rate of two to four cases per week, all of which have been successful so far.
He explained that the procedure is an endoscopic alternative to traditional surgery, allowing for shorter hospital stays of only a few hours, minimal anaesthesia, and a small incision of 2–3 cm, compared to conventional surgical methods that require longer recovery and general anaesthesia.
The service is primarily used for diagnosing lung and pleural diseases of unknown origin and is especially beneficial for patients for whom surgery poses higher risks.
Dr Al Hadhrami noted that the procedure significantly reduces hospitalisation time and recovery periods, while also lowering overall procedural risks.
He added that the introduction of thoracoscopy marks a qualitative advancement in respiratory care services in Oman. The Royal Hospital is the first government hospital in the country to offer this advanced procedure.
The service improves diagnostic accuracy by enabling direct examination of the chest cavity and targeted tissue sampling, while also providing effective treatment options in line with modern medical practices.
Officials said the development strengthens integration between clinical units and expands advanced healthcare options available to patients, reinforcing the quality and efficiency of specialised medical services in Oman. — ONA
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