Recent clinical service developments – first quarter of 2026

Hospital da Luz combines highly specialized medical teams with sustained investment in research and development, professional training, digital health solutions, and advanced medical technology. This integrated model enables the continuous expansion of clinical capabilities while supporting predictable outcomes, reduced complication rates, and optimized patient pathways.

Outlined below are the most significant clinical developments achieved during the first quarter of 2026, illustrating Hospital da Luz’s ongoing role in introducing advanced, valuebased medical practices in Portugal. The year is off to a fantastic start and there is much more to come!

Robotic surgery for complex endometriosis – Hospital da Luz Arrábida

Hospital da Luz Arrábida performed its first robotic-assisted gynecological procedure for the treatment of deep rectovaginal endometriosis, a complex condition often associated with high resource utilization.

Led by Dr Hélder Ferreira, specialist in advanced and robotic laparoscopic surgery, the intervention benefited from enhanced visualization and surgical precision in a challenging pelvic environment. These factors contributed to reduced postoperative pain and faster functional recovery.

This milestone strengthens the hospital’s position as a reference center for minimally invasive gynecological surgery in Northern Portugal and aligns with a broader strategy to reduce postoperative morbidity and optimize clinical efficiency.

Robot-assisted knee arthroplasty – Hospital da Luz Oeiras

Hospital da Luz Oeiras, in the Lisbon metropolitan area, introduced robot-assisted knee replacement surgery using the CORI robotic system, enhancing the accuracy and reproducibility of prosthesis placement.

The portable platform uses high-definition imaging and optical sensors to generate a real-time, patient-specific 3D knee model. This allows precise planning and execution, enabling millimetric bone cuts and improved alignment – key determinants of prosthesis longevity and functional outcomes.

The technology is embedded in a structured care pathway that includes digital planning, multidisciplinary perioperative management, early mobilization, and targeted physiotherapy, supporting predictable recovery profiles and patient satisfaction.

First administration of disease-modifying therapy for Alzheimer’s disease in Portugal – Hospital da Luz Lisboa

Hospital da Luz Lisboa became the first hospital in Portugal to administer a newly approved disease-modifying treatment for Alzheimer’s disease.

The therapy – an anti-amyloid monoclonal antibody – received approval from the European Medicines Agency in 2024 and subsequent authorization from INFARMED, Portugal’s national medicines regulator. When administered in the early stages of the disease, the treatment targets the accumulation of toxic amyloid proteins, addressing a pathophysiological mechanism not covered by existing symptomatic therapies.

According to neurologist Dr Sofia Nunes de Oliveira, international clinical evidence suggests that the therapy can slow cognitive decline, representing a meaningful clinical advance for a condition affecting approximately 200,000 individuals in Portugal.

Across the Hospital da Luz network, care delivery is guided by clinical rigor, technological innovation and patient-centered design

Technological investment in ophthalmology – Hospital da Luz Lisboa

The Vision Center at Hospital da Luz Lisboa strengthened its technological infrastructure with the acquisition of a new femtosecond and excimer laser platform, supporting advanced refractive and cataract surgery.

The Femto LDV Z8 femtosecond laser enables highly precise, low-energy interventions, improving safety and reducing recovery times. In cataract surgery, it facilitates accurate intraocular lens implantation, frequently reducing postoperative dependence on corrective eyewear.

In refractive surgery, the platform supports advanced techniques such as corneal lenticule extraction for advanced refractive correction (CLEAR), a minimally invasive, flap-free procedure for myopia and astigmatism, expanding therapeutic options for eligible patients.

Intraoperative navigation in hip arthroplasty – Hospital da Luz Coimbra

Hospital da Luz Coimbra performed a total hip replacement using a new intraoperative navigation system, improving accuracy in prosthesis alignment and positioning.

The procedure was carried out using the direct anterior approach, which supports tissue preservation and faster functional recovery. The integration of navigation technology reduces variability, enhances control of surgical parameters, and contributes to more predictable outcomes, with positive implications for length of stay and patient mobility.

Minimally invasive gynecological procedures – Hospital da Luz Vila Real

Hospital da Luz Vila Real introduced the Intrauterine Bigatti Shaver for the minimally invasive treatment of intrauterine conditions, including polyps, myomas, adhesions and retained placental tissue.

The system enables precise tissue removal under direct visualization, with reduced operative time, limited cervical dilation and avoidance of high-frequency electrical current. These features contribute to improved safety, lower procedural complexity and faster recovery.

Video-assisted minimally invasive breast surgery – Hospital da Luz Póvoa de Varzim

Hospital da Luz Póvoa de Varzim now performs complex breast surgery using a video-assisted endoscopic approach, including skin- and nipple-areola-sparing mastectomies with immediate reconstruction.

By minimizing incision size and enhancing anatomical visualization, this technique supports lower complication rates, reduces postoperative pain, and improves aesthetic and functional outcomes, while facilitating efficient postoperative recovery.

Commitment to sustainable, high-value healthcare

Across the Hospital da Luz network, care delivery is guided by clinical rigor, technological innovation and patient-centered design. The systematic adoption of advanced medical solutions aims to improve outcomes, enhance predictability and support the efficient use of healthcare resources – key elements of sustainable, value-based care.

In addition to these new services at the locations highlighted above, during the first quarter of 2026, the network also received new clinical distinctions from two European medical societies:

International recognition for endoscopic spine surgery – Hospital da Luz Arrábida

In January 2026, Hospital da Luz Arrábida became the first healthcare institution in Portugal designated an International Center of Excellence in Endoscopic Spine Surgery by the European Society of Unilateral Biportal Endoscopy (ESUBE).

The recognition reflects the Spine Unit’s clinical activity, outcomes, adherence to international best practices and commitment to professional training. It highlights the systematic use of unilateral biportal endoscopy (UBE), a minimally invasive technique for cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine conditions, associated with reduced tissue trauma, shorter recovery times and decreased length of stay.

Orthopedics is recognized as a European training reference center by ESSKA – Hospital da Luz Lisboa

The Orthopedics Department at Hospital da Luz Lisboa, directed by Dr Prof. Paulo Rego, was designated a European training reference center by the European Society of Sports Traumatology, Knee Surgery and Arthroscopy (ESSKA).

This certification reflects the contribution of ESSKA professors Dr João Vide (Foot and Ankle Unit) and Dr Carlos Maia Dias, both internationally recognized specialists and accredited trainers. Their role ensures that the department delivers theoretical and practical training aligned with ESSKA’s demanding European standards.

Through sustained investment in people, technology, research and training, combined with an ambitious expansion strategy and continual evolution in the clinical services across the network, Hospital da Luz continues to advance clinical practice in Portugal, while making high-quality care available to more of the population.