SPONSORED FEATURE

“ Robotic surgery is an approach, a technique, a technology. It is not a be-all and end-all. Good outcomes rely on a combination of having the correct equipment, the correct pool of talent, as well as the correct training and experience,” emphasizes Dr. Surayne Segaran, Consultant Urologist and Robotic Surgeon at KPJ Damansara Specialist Hospital 2.

While robotic systems and traditional laparoscopic surgery both rely on minimally invasive techniques with small incisions and high-tech cameras, robotic surgery has proven to offer numerous distinct advantages. Unlike laparoscopic surgery, where surgeons directly manipulate instruments at the patient’ s side, robotic-assisted surgery allows surgeons to control instruments remotely via a sophisticated console, with instruments that can mimic the movements of a human hand. This advanced setup provides unmatched precision, flexibility, and range of motion, setting robotic surgery apart as the superior option for many procedures.

Unmatched Precision and Efficiency Dr. Surayne highlighted the unique capabilities of robotic systems, explaining that they accurately replicate a surgeon’ s movements while filtering out hand tremors. These systems can perform rapid, precise, and repetitive actions for extended periods without experiencing fatigue— a limitation faced by even the most experienced surgeons.

“ Robotic systems excel in long and complex operations, where precision is critical,” Dr. Surayne explained.“ For example, I had a patient with a large kidney tumor in a very delicate position. It would have been very difficult to remove without significant blood loss using traditional methods. Robotic surgery was the best solution, and it achieved remarkable results.”

Compared to laparoscopic surgery, robotic systems offer superior visualization with a magnified, high-definition 3D view of the surgical field. This enhances accuracy, reduces the likelihood of errors, and minimizes blood loss. Additionally, robotic instruments provide a greater range of motion, allowing surgeons to perform intricate manoeuvres that would be challenging with laparoscopic tools.

Revolutionizing Patient Outcomes Robotic surgery consistently outperforms laparoscopic surgery in improving patient outcomes. The technology allows for shorter hospital stays, faster recovery times, and reduced postoperative pain.

“ Take prostate cancer, for instance,” Dr. Surayne elaborated.“ The prostate is located deep within a man’ s pelvis and is often difficult to access. Robotic surgery offers a magnified view of the area, making stitching more precise and efficient. Men recover from surgery faster with little to no risk of long-term urine leakage.”

Robotic prostatectomy, a minimally invasive procedure, has become the gold standard for prostate cancer treatment due to its unparalleled precision and effectiveness. While traditional open surgery often requires 5 to 7 days of recovery, robotic surgery patients typically recover within 1 to 2 days.

Challenges Overcome by Superior Technology Although robotic surgery comes with higher upfront costs, its benefits far outweigh the expense. The

66 ISSUE 1 | 2025 GlobalHealthAndTravel. com