Songklanagarind Hospital launches the first and only surgery-assisting robot in southern Thailand to celebrate its success in surgical treatment for the second largest number of patients in ASEAN, one year after the robot-assisted surgery technology introduction into the medical field.
The PSU Faculty of Medicine organized the launch event on 4 November 2022, and celebrated the first anniversary of robotic surgery, an innovation in treatment, the first and only one available in the South. Assoc. Prof. Monthira Tanthanuch, MD., Vice Dean at the Faculty of Medicine, presided over the opening ceremony, followed by a discussion on the topic “Robotic surgery, a good alternative and a new perspective in surgery” by specialist doctors. Stories and impressions of patients who were treated via robotic surgery complemented the event.
Songklanagarind Hospital is the first hospital in the South that brought robotic assistance into surgical procedures. Since the first day of turning the machine on until today, the medical team has treated around 190 patients in 365 days, the second largest number of surgeries in ASEAN. The innovation also serves as a training and learning platform for doctors and specialists, and acts as a source of study visits as well.
Robot-assisted surgery, medically called “robotic surgery”, is a medical breakthrough that utilizes innovative technology that provides a better, safer surgical treatment, and faster patient recovery.
Robotic surgery can be performed in a variety of cases, including abdominal surgery, pelvic surgery (e.g. hysterectomy/prostate surgery), urinary tract surgery, gynecological surgery, and other types of surgery recommended by a trained specialist.
The advantages of using robots are less reliance on surgical assistants, and greater stability because the operating hand is on a robotic arm directed by the surgeon. The more accurate and precise mechanical appendage allows for easier surgery and stitching, making it ideal for prostate surgery, because the prostate is located in a deep and narrow area hard to reach by hand. After using the surgical robot instead, results indicated marked improvements. This success then resulted in a more widespread use of robotic surgery.
For patients, the advantages of robotic surgery are smaller surgical wounds, less pain, less bleeding, shorter recuperation period or hospital stay, and faster recovery. This is particularly important for elderly patients, as it greatly reduces the risks of open surgery.
For more details, please contact the Surgery Clinic at Songklanagarind Hospital, Tel. 074-451760-1