Rajavithi Hospital in Bangkok has introduced a high-tech surgical robot to assist medical teams with a promise of better accuracy, and a safer and shorter hospital stay for patients.
Under the name of da Vinci Xi, the US-made surgical robotic technology is designed to assist surgeons' accuracy during urologic surgical procedures.
Highly magnified 3D HD technology allows surgeons to see a surgical site with improved depth perception and clear vision.
Meanwhile, the instruments bend and rotate for beyond the abilities of the human hand. With high motion technologies, the robot allows surgeons to operate with a more steady motion than is humanly possible, the company says.
Tanet Thaidumrong, head of the hospital's committee overseeing the surgical robotic system, said da Vinci Xi is the most advanced technology in the country, and is providing satisfying results.
Patients are happy with the operation done by the robot due to less pronounced wounds after operations. The robot's technique helps patients recover quickly, reducing their hospital stay. That in turn frees up beds for patients, Dr Tanet said.
"The robotic arms are developed to be close to people's hands, in terms of movement," he said. "But the good point is that they can go deeper to small points [of the body] that need operating on without any limitations."
The hospital has launched 11 new operating theatres, including one room for the surgical robot. A surgeon requires at least 30 hours to be trained on how to use the robot, before performing an operation on a patient.
Many patients with cancer and complex diseases have already been operated on by the robot.
The hospital says 85% of operations by the robot are related to diseases found in the throat, ears and nose, 11% for gynaecology, and 2% for prostate and kidney cancer.
There are eight surgical robots in the country at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Siriraj Hospital and Ramathibodi Hospital. It is estimated that there are 5,270 surgical robots working around the world.
Somsak Akksilp, chief of the Department of Medical Services, said the hospital has over 6,000 walk-in patients per day and the number is expected to increase. The robot will play a significant role in treating patients who need complicated operations.
Robots are not only time-saving, but also provide safety to patients by reducing direct contact between patients and medical teams, he said.