F1 robotic surgery team

PYNEH Robotic Surgery Team
Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital

Advances in medical technology mean procedures that could not be conducted by minimally invasive surgeries in the past can now be broken through and successfully carried out by robotic surgery. Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital (PYNEH) established the world’s first Robotic EndoLap Operating Room in 2009, which also acts as a training centre and a platform for global experts to exchange skills, including cross-cluster operation and training support, live surgery demonstration, organisation of workshops and international conferences.

The robotic surgery team has far greater capabilities and more mature techniques in advanced surgery than when it was established 15 years ago. Initially, robotic techniques were applied in urological, gynaecological and general surgery. Technological advancement has allowed robotic surgery to overcome the limitations of minimally invasive surgeries and be used in complex procedures, such as radical prostatectomy, total mesorectal excision, hepatectomy and pancreatectomy.

“Robotic surgery system provides three-dimensional and high-resolution imaging. The robotic arm imitates the human wrist joint design and can even perform a 360-degree rotation, making great advantage in the dexterity. It is especially suitable for tissue dissection and anastomosis reconstruction.” More than 3,600 operations had been performed in PYNEH by the end of last year.

Surgeons are required to undergo training to understand how to use robotic equipment and then assist credentialed surgeons for some time before performing robotic surgery under supervision. Operating theatre nurses support the development of robotic surgery by providing training for counterparts in local public and private hospitals, the Greater Bay Area and also Southeast Asia. “The high level of cooperation among surgeons, anaesthesiologists, and nurses in robotic surgery is like a Formula 1 race. When the car drives into the pit stop, everyone performs their duties smoothly and accurately. Even if there is an equipment failure or a change in the patient’s condition, teamwork can solve everything.” The Team hopes to have more opportunities to exchange knowledge with global experts and handle a broader variety of cases as it continues to set new standards in the field and improves the training system.

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