The da Vinci Si system consists of three components: (from left) an ergonomically designed surgeon’s console, a patient’s cart with four interactive robotic arms, and a high-performance vision cart. The vision cart contains a computerised system which acts as an intermediary and provides communication between the surgeon’s console and the patient’s cart. The surgical arm can mimic the surgeon’s movement on the console.
THE da Vinci Si robotic surgical system that delivers a surgical technique that is minimally invasive is among medical technological advancements in the 21st century.
Hailed by Gleneagles Hospital Kuala Lumpur (GKL) specialist Datuk Dr Abd Aziz Yahya as a system that is “excellent for difficult operations”, da Vinci Si robotic surgery benefits are “more clarity (for the surgeon), less complication, less bleeding and less trauma (for the patient),” he says.
Dr Abd Aziz who is an obstetrician and gynaecologist at GKL explains that the robotic system consists of three components:
> Surgeon’s console: The surgeon at the console controls the instruments while viewing the patient’s anatomy in high-definition 3D camera and conducts the surgery.
> Patient’s cart: The robot is attached and positioned beside the patient.
> Surgical instruments: Instruments are held by the robot’s three to four arms and used to perform the surgery.
“The surgeon operates on the patient remotely,” says Dr Abd Aziz.
“The robotic system gives the surgeon access to surgical sites that are not easily accessible by his own hand.
“With the 3D (camera) vision, it gives the surgeon clarity, and it is so precise.”
Dr Abd Aziz says that with these three components, delicate surgeries can be performed without injuring the patient’s nerves, blood vessels and internal organs in the pelvis.
This system offers lesser complications, faster recovery and lesser hospital stay for our patients, says GKL obstetrician and gynaecologist, gynaecological oncologist and robotics surgeon, Datuk Dr Abd Aziz Yahya.
According to GKL chief executive officer Hoo Ling Lee, the da Vinci Si surgical system is designed to enhance existing surgical treatments in gynaecology and urology, as well as colorectal, head and neck operations.
“This system offers lesser complications, faster recovery and shorter hospital stay for patients, says Hoo.
Dr Abd Aziz emphasises that robotic surgery is safe when performed by “skilled hands”, as robotic surgeons would need to undergo a training module.
“The da Vinci instruments that are used to perform surgery are getting smaller and smaller with more precision and lesser complications.
“A successful surgery is when the patient gets the full benefits and is able to return to being productive as soon as possible. The robotic system enables patients to recover faster and return to a productive state in a shorter time,” he says.
“The surgeon must examine and assess the patient carefully before embarking on this method. Every surgical method has its benefits and limitations. But most patients will be suitable (for this surgery).”
The robotic system can be used for benign cases and all kinds of gynaecological disorders, such as fibroid, endometriosis and pelvic floor prolapse.
KKLIU 2166 / expiry Dec 31, 2025
