JOHOR BAHRU: Regency Specialist Hospital (RSH) in Johor and Mahkota Medical Centre in Malacca have become the first hospitals in Malaysia to introduce robotic-assisted surgical (RAS) procedures using Japan’s latest robotic system, hinotori.
The technology, developed by Kawasaki Heavy Industries after more than 50 years of expertise in robotics, and Sysmex Corporation’s extensive healthcare network, is designed to replicate a surgeon’s delicate hand movements with exceptional precision, a breakthrough in minimally invasive surgery.
As members of the HMI Medical Group, both hospitals can now perform complex procedures with greater accuracy, lower risks, and faster patient recovery.
The hinotori system uses robotic arms and a high-definition 3D camera, controlled from a console, allowing surgeons enhanced dexterity in procedures involving urology, gynaecology, colorectal, and general surgery.
HMI Malaysia chief executive officer Stanley Lam said the introduction of hinotori represents a significant step towards patient-centred, technology-driven healthcare.
“This milestones aligns with our strategic vision of becoming a leading smart hospital and reflects our ongoing dedication to patient-centric, value-based care.
“With the introduction of hinotori, we are proud to bring best-in-class robotic surgical technology from Japan to Malaysia, ensuring our patients have access to the latest innovations across both our hospitals,” he said in a statement.
Approved by Malaysia’s Medical Device Authority (MDA), hinotori is expected to transform surgical care in the country. Compared with open and laparoscopic surgery, robotic-assisted procedures offer greater accuracy, fewer complications, shorter hospital stays, and quicker recovery times.
Lam added that robotic surgery also helps reduce post-operative pain, speeds up patient mobility, and can lower hospital costs in the long run.
The arrival of the surgical systems marks a major step forward in making world-class robotic-assisted surgery more accessible and affordable to patients in Malaysia.
“With robotic assisted surgeries, patients will also typically experience less post-operative pain, faster mobilisation, and reduced hospital cost over time.
“In addition to open laparoscoppic surgical techniques, surgeons at HMI Medical’s hospitals in Malaysia are now able to offer the most cutting edge surgical techniques with their patients and discuss clinical decision-making with them to assess their eligibility for RAS,” he added.
