“ Robotic surgery is an approach, a technique, a technology. It is not a be-all and end-all. reduced risk of complications, shorter recovery times, and improved patient outcomes justify the investment. In contrast, laparoscopic surgery can be more technically challenging, time-consuming, and prone to surgeon fatigue, particularly during lengthy procedures.
“ When comparing the two, robotic surgery eliminates many of the limitations of laparoscopic surgery,” Dr. Surayne noted.“ For example, robotic systems make it easier to complete complex procedures without the risk of tremors or fatigue, which can significantly impact outcomes.”
Dr. Surayne also explained that robotic surgeries are rarely converted to open procedures, further underscoring their reliability.“ Conversion is extremely rare and only occurs in extraordinary circumstances, such as unexpected complications or prior surgeries that create challenging adhesions,” he said.
The Future of Robotic Surgery: Less Scar, Less Pain Robotic surgery has firmly established itself as the superior option in many medical fields, including urology, gynaecology, and general surgery. Dr. Surayne shared that the demand for robotic systems in Malaysia has grown significantly.“ In the past year and a half, the number of robotic systems has increased from fewer than five to more than fifteen. This demonstrates the growing recognition of robotic surgery as the standard of care,” he said.
Advancements in technology continue to improve the cost-effectiveness and efficiency of robotic surgery.“ The new generation of robotic instruments can be used up to 18 times compared to older models, which reduces the cost per procedure. They also feature smaller cameras with enhanced precision,” Dr. Surayne explained.
Dr. Surayne shared a compelling example:“ A patient had a complex tumour deep into the kidney, close to blood vessels and the urinary drainage tubes. Frequently removing the whole kidney would be the chosen option here as removing just the tumour would be technically challenging and carry a high risk of blood loss or urine leakage. After consultations at several hospitals, he came to me as a last resort. Using robotic surgery, I removed the tumour entirely with blood loss of less than 100ml. The patient recovered rapidly with no lasting side effects and has unchanged kidney function after the procedure. Such results would have been impossible with traditional methods.”
A Transformative Approach Robotic surgery has demonstrated its superiority over laparoscopic surgery in virtually every aspect— precision, efficiency, patient outcomes, and recovery times. While cost and insurance coverage remain challenges, the long-term benefits far outweigh the initial investment. As robotic technology continues to advance, it promises to reshape the future of medicine, offering hope and improved care for countless patients.
Dr. Surayne Segaran, Consultant Urologist and Robotic Surgeon at KPJ Damansara Specialist Hospital 2
GlobalHealthAndTravel. com ISSUE 1 | 2025
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