A pioneer expanding the frontiers of surgery

Dr Lai Tak-wing
Deputy Hospital Chief Executive / Consultant (Department of Surgery), Princess Margaret Hospital

Three new operating theatres have been opened in recent years at Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) where robotic surgery, endolaparoscopic surgery and hybrid interventions in vascular surgery can be performed. Dr Lai Tak-wing has played a key role in increasing the number of surgical sessions to cope with the rising demand. “The increasing demand has prompted us to think of solutions,” he explains. “With the constraint of resources, we could enhance the efficiency and service quality by using big data and artificial intelligence.”

Dr Lai has been working at PMH since 1990, who describes himself ‘a loyal fan’. One of the highlights of his 30-year career was the introduction of the Early Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) programme, which aims to optimise the nutritional and functional status of patients. The programme requires multidisciplinary assessment, discussion and service. Colleagues work together throughout the perioperative period to integrate nursing care, improve patients’ health condition, facilitate postoperative recovery and reduce complications.

Dr Lai particularly appreciates the younger colleagues who are with unlimited potential. “Every case is unique, and some complicated cases require input from different professional disciplines to find the best treatment strategy.” He appreciates that with the introduction of new technologies and ideas from younger colleagues, there is a shred of light on the treatment of challenging cases. “As long as opportunity and appropriate supervision are given to the next generation of surgeons, they open up new avenues of diagnostic and treatment strategies.”

As a surgical services coordinator of the Kowloon West Cluster, Dr Lai is always looking into the feasibility of expanding the service. In the past, there were no urology outpatient services in Tsuen Wan and North Lantau districts. Dr Lai has extended the service to Yan Chai Hospital and North Lantau Hospital, as well as starting urology surgery in both hospitals. He expresses his sincere thanks to the urology team of PMH for making the service available to more patients in need.

Looking ahead, Dr Lai believes diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic ultrasound will be a major trend. He hopes to train more colleagues to be able to perform the procedure independently and make it more widely available.