Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is a common term used to explain surgeries which utilises smaller incisions as opposed to traditional open surgery. This means that patients in general experience less pain, shorter hospital stays and fewer complications.
Robotic surgery elevates MIS to another level with precise, tremor-free robotic arms controlled from a console. This grants magnified vision, enhanced dexterity, and access to hard-to-reach areas, improving outcomes for complex procedures. Robotic surgery is a sophisticated tool within the realm of MIS for greater patient benefit.
Robotic surgery has seen widespread adoption across the globe, transforming the landscape of various surgical specialties. From delicate urological procedures to complex orthopaedic surgeries, robotic surgery provides numerous benefits for both patients and surgeons.
SJMC is at the forefront in the revolution of the medical field with robotic surgery.
The technology utilises sophisticated camera and robotic arms controlled by highly experienced surgeons, enabling them to perform surgeries with more precision, control and dexterity for better outcomes whilst minimising risks.
How Robotic Surgery Benefits Better Surgical Outcomes and Improves Patient Care
Robotic surgery offers significant advantages compared to traditional open surgery, including:
Faster Recovery Time
With smaller incisions and higher accuracy, robotic surgery can perform minimally invasive operations, leading to reduced blood loss, minimal scarring, reduced risk of infection and subsequently faster healing and recovery.
Shorter Hospital Stay
With faster recovery, patients who underwent robotic surgery tend to have shorter stays in the hospital. In some cases, patients may even be able to walk the very next day, making it easier to return to their daily activities.
Higher Precision in Surgery
Robotic surgery allows intricate procedures in delicate areas, preserving healthy tissue, improved postoperative function, and potentially better long-term results for patients.
Potential Risks of Robotic-assisted Surgery for Patients
While robotic-assisted surgery offers numerous benefits, it is essential to be aware of potential risks associated with it. The risks specific to robotic-assisted surgery include:
Longer Operating Time
Although robotic-assisted surgery offers faster recovery times, sometimes the operation can be time consuming due to the additional setup and preparation required.
Increased Cost
Robotic-assisted surgery is generally more expensive than traditional open surgery. However, the increased cost is applicable to the surgery itself; other costs post-surgery such as hospital stays could be saved due to possible faster recovery time and less complications.
Discuss with your doctor before making a decision. They can assess your individual situation and provide you with personalised advice on the best course of treatment for your specific needs.
Current Landscape of Robotic Surgery in Malaysia
Robotic surgery first arrived in Malaysia in 2003 and it was pioneered in the urological field for cancer removal surgeries like prostate, kidney and the bladder. Robotic surgery has since gone mainstream, becoming a standard of care for many medical procedures including urology, gynaecology, general surgery, colorectal surgery, thoracic surgery, orthopaedics, and otolaryngology.
As a leading pioneer in the field, SJMC offers robotic surgery services with state-of-the-art technology and expertise.
Robotic Surgery Services at SJMC
Da Vinci Xi Robotic Assisted Surgery
State-of-the-art robotic surgical system to perform robotic-assisted minimally invasive surgery including urology, gynaecology and colorectal surgery.
Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery
Specifically designed for orthopaedic surgery, offering unparalleled precision and control for joint replacements including total hip & knee replacements.
Stepping Into New Frontiers with The da Vinci Xi at SJMC
Da Vinci Xi Robotic-assisted Surgery System is the most advanced among other da Vinci surgical systems, sharing core functionalities with additional key differences that are more ergonomic, better instrument capabilities and enhanced surgical precision and control.
These are the applications of robotic-assisted minimally invasive surgeries using da Vinci Xi:
Urology Surgery
- Radical prostatectomy: A minimally invasive procedure for prostate cancer removal with superior accuracy and nerve preservation.
- Partial nephrectomy: Removal of cancerous kidney tumours while preserving healthy tissue.
- Pyeloplasty: Correction of a blockage in the tube that drains urine from the kidney.
- Uretic Reimplantation: A surgery to fix the tubes that connect the bladder to the kidneys
- Vesico-Vaginal Fistula (VVF) Repair: To close the fistula which is causing urine leakage from the bladder and the vagina.
Gynecological Surgery
- Hysterectomy: Minimally invasive removal of the uterus with improved recovery times.
- Myomectomy: Removal of uterine fibroids while preserving the uterus.
- Cystectomy: Removal of ovarian cysts that causes pain
Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery for Orthopaedics
From performing the surgery to managing pain effectively and during the recovery phase, the entire process is managed efficiently by the team of experts at SJMC.
Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery is an innovative solution for many suffering from painful arthritis of the knee or hip. The technology is a game-changer, bringing new levels of precision and customisation to the joint replacement process.
Mako uses a 3D CT-based planning software so surgeons can know more about the patient's anatomy to create a personalised joint replacement surgical plan. It enables surgeons to execute their surgical plans more accurately, protects soft tissue and ligaments from damage, and offers more comfortable experience than conventional joint replacement.
To date, SJMC has performed more than 130 joint replacement surgeries using MAKO, since early 2022.
Revolutionary First Daycare Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery in Malaysia
The surgery was conducted using the state-of-the-art Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted System as a daycare service in Malaysia.
From the moment of admission to the precise surgery, followed by her smooth transition to post-surgery care and her return to the comfort of her home, Madam Liew's story is testament to her strength and determination, and the astounding outcomes that can be attained through advanced orthopaedic care.
This groundbreaking surgery was accomplished by Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Dato' Dr Siva Kumar Ariaretnam.