Karim Sarhane Breaks Down Evidence-Based Surgery for Better Patient Outcomes
Modern surgery is no longer guided by experience alone. Today, the strongest surgical decisions combine years of clinical expertise with high-quality medical research to provide patients with safer, more effective treatment. Karim Sarhane, a US-trained consultant general and advanced laparoscopic surgeon and surgeon-scientist, has built his career around this approach. Through his clinical practice in Abu Dhabi and his academic role in surgical education, Karim Sarhane believes that evidence-based surgery helps improve patient outcomes while supporting informed decision-making for every individual.
His training at leading medical institutions, including the United States, has shaped a practice focused on patient safety, minimally invasive techniques, and continuous learning. Karim Sarhane highlights that every treatment plan should be supported by current scientific evidence while also considering the patient's overall health, medical history, and personal goals.
About Karim Sarhane
Karim Sarhane is a general consultant and advanced laparoscopic surgeon with extensive experience in minimally invasive surgery, surgical oncology, and academic medicine. His background as a surgeon-scientist allows him to combine clinical expertise with medical research, helping translate scientific findings into practical improvements in patient care.
Karim Sarhane believes that evidence-based surgery is not simply about following published studies. It is about understanding the latest research, evaluating its quality, and applying it responsibly to each patient's unique condition.
What Is Evidence-Based Surgery?
Evidence-based surgery is the process of making surgical decisions using the best available clinical research alongside surgical expertise and patient preferences.
Karim Sarhane highlights several key principles of this approach:
Using updated clinical guidelines supported by medical research.
Selecting procedures based on proven effectiveness rather than routine practice.
Considering individual patient needs before recommending surgery.
Monitoring outcomes to improve future patient care.
This balanced approach helps reduce unnecessary procedures while increasing the likelihood of successful recovery.
How Evidence-Based Surgery Improves Patient Outcomes
Patients often ask how research influences their treatment. Karim Sarhane believes that every recommendation should have a clear medical foundation.
Evidence-based surgery can improve care by:
Lowering the risk of complications through proven surgical techniques.
Supporting faster recovery with minimally invasive procedures when appropriate.
Improving communication so patients understand their treatment options.
Helping surgeons make consistent decisions using established clinical evidence.
Rather than relying on tradition alone, surgeons continuously review new research to refine their techniques and improve long-term patient outcomes.
A Real-World Clinical Example
A patient diagnosed with symptomatic gallstones may traditionally have been advised to undergo open surgery. However, Karim Sarhane highlights that decades of research have demonstrated the benefits of laparoscopic gallbladder removal for suitable patients.
Using evidence-based recommendations, laparoscopic surgery often results in smaller incisions, reduced postoperative discomfort, shorter hospital stays, and an earlier return to normal activities. By applying well-established clinical evidence, patients receive treatment supported by both research and practical surgical experience.
Case Study: Using Research to Guide Hernia Repair
Karim Sarhane believes that abdominal wall hernia treatment should never follow a one-size-fits-all model.
In one representative clinical scenario, a middle-aged patient presented with a recurrent abdominal wall hernia after previous surgery. Rather than repeating the earlier repair method, Karim Sarhane carefully evaluated current surgical evidence, imaging findings, and the patient's health profile before selecting a minimally invasive repair strategy.
Following surgery, the patient experienced a smooth recovery, reduced postoperative discomfort, and returned to normal daily activities sooner than expected. This case demonstrates how combining scientific evidence with individualized care can improve both surgical outcomes and patient satisfaction.
Why Continuous Learning Matters in Surgery
Medical knowledge evolves every year. Karim Sarhane highlights that surgeons must stay informed through ongoing education, peer-reviewed research, and collaboration with colleagues.
His involvement in surgical education also reflects this commitment. By mentoring future surgeons and encouraging critical evaluation of medical literature, he supports a healthcare environment where clinical decisions continue to improve as new evidence becomes available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does evidence-based surgery mean?
It means combining the latest medical research, clinical expertise, and patient preferences to choose the most appropriate treatment.
Does evidence-based surgery improve recovery?
Research has shown that selecting proven surgical techniques can reduce complications, shorten recovery time, and improve overall patient outcomes when applied appropriately.
Is every patient treated the same way?
No. Karim Sarhane believes every treatment plan should be individualized while being supported by the strongest available clinical evidence.
Why is research important for surgeons?
Medical research helps surgeons refine techniques, evaluate new technologies, and provide treatments supported by reliable clinical data.
Conclusion
Karim Sarhane believes that excellent surgical care is built on both experience and evidence. By integrating current medical research with years of clinical practice, he aims to provide treatment plans that prioritize safety, effectiveness, and long-term patient well-being. His commitment to evidence-based surgery reflects a modern approach to healthcare where every decision is guided by knowledge, careful evaluation, and the goal of achieving better outcomes for every patient.
