Safer operations: A panel discussion on robotic surgery conducted with (from left) Dr Debbie Teh, Dr Loh Chit Sin, Datuk Dr Aziz Yahya, Fazleeza Azli, Dr Jennifer Jose and Dr Sharifah during the Promise 2025 conference. — LOW LAY PHON/The Star
PETALING JAYA: Patients undergoing robotic surgery face less blood loss and faster recovery times compared to conventional surgery methods, says senior consultant obstetrician-gynaecologist Dr Sharifah Halimah Jaafar.
Robotic surgeries are needed to handle complex cases, she said.
“It is particularly useful in treating complex conditions like endometriosis, multiple fibroids, morbid obesity and uterus cancer.
“Unlike conventional methods, robotic arms can be angled and rotated with greater precision, allowing surgeons to reach areas that are difficult to access during complex procedures,” said Dr Sharifah, who has conducted more than 100 robotic surgeries.
She acknowledged that she had common misconceptions about robotic surgery at first.
“But when I began doing it, it offered so many advantages, as I only needed to use my two index fingers on the console (machine),” she said.
“The robotic arms are attached with a camera that gives us a clear view, which prevents you from injuring other organs; thus, there is less blood loss in the patient.
“And with a higher precision of the angles, it’s easier to tackle the disease,” she added.
This, she said, facilitates a quicker recovery for the patient.
“Although it’s expensive, it reduces your long-term stay in hospital and improves long-term recovery,” she said, noting that insurance companies should provide coverage for robotic surgeries.
For example, she said an obese patient requiring open surgery could be admitted for almost a week because of a wound infection.
“But with the robotic surgery, the patient can go home the next day with less post-operation risks,” she said.
She emphasised that surgeons must undergo structured local training to ensure seamless robotic surgery.
The three-day Picaso Robotic & MIS Exchange 2025 (Promise) conference, which began on Sept 26 and wrapped up over the weekend, raised awareness about the practices and innovations in robotic surgery.
It was hosted by Hospital Picaso (also known as the PJ Integrated Centre for Advanced Surgery and Oncology).
Surgeons from across the globe gathered for live surgeries and forums at the event, which was designed to boost Malaysia’s standing in advancing robotic and minimally invasive surgery.
The surgeons include People’s Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing Dr Li Hong Zhao and Dr Zhang Peng, Singapore General Hospital & National Cancer Centre Singapore Dr Henry Ho, Changi General Hospital, Dr James Ngu , Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York Dr Arnold P. Advincula, first Filipino surgeon on the Intuitive Surgical Surgeons Locator List, Dr Jennifer Marie B. Jose, and Gleneagles Hospital Kuala Lumpur Datuk Dr Abd Aziz Yahya.
The programme was also headlined by Dr Fam Xeng Inn, chairperson of the Picaso Robotic & MIS Exchange 2025 (Promise) and Prof. Dr Kim Seon Hahn from Korea, who is a pioneer in robotic-assisted resections, alongside Malaysia’s own Dr Chong Hoong Yin, recognised for his expertise in robotic-assisted colorectal surgery.
Dr Sharifah, who led the programme on the third day of the conference, provided her insights into the application of robotic surgery for morbidly obese patients.
“Some patients who are overweight have thick abdominal walls, which can restrict the surgeon’s manoeuvrability during the procedure.
“However, with robotic surgery, it becomes easier to access those areas without the risk of arms colliding or causing fatigue,” she explained.
