KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is emerging as a centre for medical excellence in Southeast Asia through events such as the recent Asia Pacific Spine Society Kota Kinabalu Operative Course 2024.
The recently concluded three-day course was a vital platform for knowledge-sharing, introducing cutting-edge surgical techniques and fostering collaboration among leading specialists from India, Hong Kong, China, and Malaysia.
It featured hands-on workshops, live surgical demonstrations and in-depth discussions on advanced technologies, including robotic-assisted surgery and minimally invasive techniques.
These sessions aimed to enhance surgical precision and improve patient outcomes.
A milestone of the event was the successful completion of Malaysia’s first Vertebral Body Tethering (VBT) surgery for scoliosis at a government hospital.
This minimally invasive, fusion-less approach offers new hope for young scoliosis patients by correcting spinal curvature while preserving natural growth and flexibility, potentially transforming scoliosis treatment nationwide.
The event’s success was credited to strong collaboration with local partners, including the Kota Kinabalu Orthopedic Association Sabah, the Sabah Convention Bureau, and Universiti Malaysia Sabah.
Their contributions ensured a seamless programme, combining professional development with Sabah’s signature hospitality.
“The collaboration among local and international experts was remarkable. It not only elevated our understanding of advanced spine surgeries but also strengthened professional ties across the region,” said Dr Ahmad Faisal, an orthopaedic surgeon at Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
Such initiatives are crucial as the medical field continues to evolve, pushing the boundaries of healthcare and setting new benchmarks for spine surgery.
Dr Ahmad added that as the medical landscape continues to evolve, such initiatives are essential for pushing boundaries and enhancing healthcare standards.
