• Press Interview

Feras Ashouri to Al-Rai: Hip and Knee Surgeries are Among the Most Successful Operations

In an interview with Al-Rai, Dr. Feras Ashouri, a consultant in orthopedic surgery and hip, pelvis, and knee surgery at Al-Mowasat New Hospital, emphasized that hip and knee surgeries are among the most successful procedures performed at the hospital. He stressed the importance of pre-surgical options being based on scientific principles, noting that surgery may become imperative if a patient reaches advanced stages, in order to avoid potential problems and complications that may arise from delaying the procedure.

Dr. Ashouri explained that he was attracted to Al-Mowasat New Hospital after a long experience working in this field in the United Kingdom. He revealed that this type of surgery is not merely about replacing the hip or knee joint but also involves reviewing previous surgeries that patients were not satisfied with or that resulted in complications.

He pointed out that hip and knee joint replacement surgeries are performed through minimally invasive techniques that facilitate rapid recovery for the patient. He indicated that after undergoing hip or knee replacement, a patient can leave the hospital within 24 to 36 hours, walking on their own without pain.

Dr. Ashouri mentioned that the hospital will soon utilize robotic technology in performing this type of surgery, confirming that the hospital operates as a cohesive team and attracts a select group of distinguished medical experts. He highlighted the significant medical advancements currently taking place in Kuwait, noting that the need for treatment abroad in the field of orthopedic surgery has diminished.

Here are the details of the interview:

• You have extensive experience in complex hip and knee surgeries; can you shed light on that?

• This type of surgery is not just about joint replacement but also involves a qualitative review of previous surgeries in this field, where patients were dissatisfied or experienced complications afterward. This review aims to prevent any issues that could hinder the patient's mobility.

• What about complex fracture surgeries?

• Some patients have sustained fractures in the pelvis or other body parts and have experienced problems or complications after surgery. We review these cases and intervene using specific techniques to help patients avoid these issues and return to their normal lives.

• What are the main techniques you use in knee and hip joint replacement?

• This is done through minimally invasive surgery using techniques that expedite the patient's recovery, allowing them to leave the hospital within 24 to 36 hours, walking on their own and without pain.

• Do these surgeries include joint replacement?

• Yes, they involve joint replacement, and within 24 to 36 hours, patients can walk normally.

• What is the success rate of these surgeries?

• Most of these surgeries are complex, and while the possibility of complications exists, thankfully, we have not encountered any post-operative issues in any of these cases. Generally, hip and knee joint replacement surgeries are among the most successful, with a global success rate exceeding 90%.

• Given your experience and long tenure in the UK, how do you view the capabilities at Al-Mowasat New Hospital? What advice would you give to patients considering treatment abroad?

• This is a good question. Things here have changed and developed significantly compared to the past. Today, the same physician who would have performed the operation abroad is now present in Kuwait, where the best facilities and highest level of equipment and integrated services are available. The same types of joints used abroad are available here, and the medical staff is highly qualified. Therefore, the reasons for seeking treatment abroad in the field of joint replacement and complex fractures have diminished.

• What about the integration of services among the medical departments at Al-Mowasat New Hospital?

• Al-Mowasat New Hospital attracts a select group of distinguished medical experts, and we work as a cohesive team. A program is developed for the patient that includes pre-operative preparation, the surgery itself, and post-operative care, with collaboration between the anesthesia and physiotherapy departments and others when necessary.

I would like to point out that the physiotherapy department at Al-Mowasat New Hospital, supervised by Dr. Samer Abdullah, is one of the best departments I have seen throughout my career.

• Are there options available before resorting to surgery, given the advancements in techniques and treatment methods?

• Options must be based on scientific principles. Many things are not based on scientific evidence. In our specialty, surgeries are not life-saving procedures but rather lifestyle changes. We have every opportunity for accurate diagnosis and to assess the viability of available alternatives and their suitability for the patient's condition. Based on that, we determine the necessity of surgery. We must also consider that surgery may become imperative if the patient reaches advanced stages, as delaying it can cause issues and complications that could have been avoided with the procedure.

• Regarding ACL tears, does everyone who experiences this require surgery?

• Not everyone with an ACL tear needs surgery; however, for athletes, surgery is necessary. The need for surgery varies based on the patient's requirements. The presence of the ACL prevents instability in the knee. In some cases, knee stability improves with physical therapy, but the individual may not be able to engage in sports. In such cases, surgery may not be necessary, but if knee instability persists after physical therapy, the operation becomes essential.

• What are the latest techniques you use in joint replacement surgery?

• One of the modern techniques is using robotics in joint replacement, which I have used in the UK. Very soon, we will implement this technology at Al-Mowasat New Hospital.

A Complex and Successful Operation

Regarding a surgery for a patient who suffered from immobility for an extended period, Dr. Feras Ashouri mentioned that he performed surgery on a 35-year-old patient who had sustained severe damage to his hip joint from an accident about ten years ago. "He had undergone about five surgeries previously, but unfortunately, he did not benefit from them, and his condition did not improve. He also had a leg length discrepancy of about five centimeters, along with advanced osteoarthritis and stiffness in the joint. He was using strong painkillers to endure the pain and had no range of motion in his hip joint."

Dr. Ashouri added, "The patient came to Al-Mowasat New Hospital, and his condition was diagnosed accurately. He reviewed the procedure I could perform, and he and his mother expressed their trust and agreement with what we were about to do. The surgery took about an hour, and the leg discrepancy completely resolved. He experienced no pain or complications after the operation and was able to walk within four hours. He left the hospital after 36 hours and could drive a car within just two weeks. During his follow-up, the patient was extremely happy with the results of the surgery."

A Large Number of Surgeries

Dr. Feras Ashouri has performed a significant number of hip, knee, and complex fracture surgeries. Below are the statistics of the surgeries he has performed:

• Approximately 3,800 various surgeries.
• 800 simple joint replacement surgeries.
• Review of 560 previous surgeries for hip and knee replacement.
• 1,000 complex fracture surgeries.

Dr. Feras in Brief

• Holds a British board certification in orthopedic surgery.
• Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in England.
• Obtained a fellowship in complex fracture and reconstruction surgery at James Cook University Hospital in the UK.
• Obtained a fellowship in complex hip and knee surgery at James Cook University Hospital in the UK.
• Member of the British Orthopedic Association.
• Member of the British Hip Society.
• Member of the British Orthopedic Trauma Society.