"Kris Maes: 20 Years of Robotic Surgery, 15 Years at Hospital da Luz" is the title of the documentary produced by Many Takes in conjunction with Hospital da Luz, which introduces the Belgian urologist and robotic surgeon who, 15 years ago, brought robotics to Portugal. With Kris Maes , Hospital da Luz was the first in our country to have a robot to perform robotic surgeries, inaugurating an innovative minimally invasive surgery center that has trained dozens of Portuguese doctors in this field and is now recognized as one of the best in Europe. Between 2010 and today, urologist Kris Maes (current head of the Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery Center at Hospital da Luz Lisboa) and the surgical teams at Hospital da Luz have performed thousands of surgeries using surgical robot systems in specialties such as urology, gynecology, thoracic surgery, general surgery, among others, and in oncology, pulmonary, urological, and gynecological surgery. Currently, the Hospital da Luz network has three surgical robots, two of which are at Hospital da Luz Lisboa . The documentary begins with the story of young Belgian Kris Maes's choice to pursue medicine and continues, always in the first person, how the urology specialist discovered the potential of robotic surgery, learning from specialists who were already working with Europe's first surgical robot. The recognition and experience gained in these early years ultimately paved the way for him to accept an unexpected invitation. As the urologist and robotic surgeon recounts in this documentary, a phone call from Isabel Vaz, the CEO of Luz Saúde, more than 15 years ago would change his life forever. Through his leadership, Hospital da Luz was the first in Portugal to perform robotic surgeries, inaugurating the country's first—and until recently only—surgical robot. Since then, he has trained dozens of other doctors in this field, who now practice robotic surgery in various public and private hospitals, both in Portugal and abroad. With a 25-year career and 20 years of experience in robotic surgery, 15 of which spent doing innovative robotics at Hospital da Luz, Kris Maes has taken his Portuguese hospital to the top 50 in Europe and wants to make it 'the best in the world in robotic surgery,' he says. Digital Media Promotional Campaign This documentary serves as the starting point for the social media promotional campaign launched by Hospital da Luz in the second half of September. Starting with three teaser calls to action for viewing the documentary on Hospital da Luz's YouTube channel, the campaign will run for two weeks on Hospital da Luz's Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn pages, in honor of the Belgian doctor who innovated in Portugal 15 years ago. This tribute comes in the same year that Luz Saúde celebrates its 25th anniversary, marking, firsthand, the success of one of its pillars of surgery and urology while simultaneously showcasing the Group's vision for innovation and the future. Learn about the history, professional trajectory, and daily life of Portugal's most renowned Belgian surgeon. Urology, robotic surgery, and Hospital da Luz—a perfect combination in the hands of specialist Kris Maes.
