KUCHING: KPJ Kuching Specialist Hospital continues to lead in medical innovation through the integration of robotic technology in total knee replacement surgeries.
Orthopaedic surgeon Dr Lee Woo Guan, a pioneer in adopting Robotic Surgical Assistant (ROSA) and Robotic-Assisted Solution (VELYS) systems, highlighted how these advancements are transforming patient care.
“Robotic-assisted technology offers unmatched precision, aiming to reduce dissatisfaction among patients who previously relied on traditional surgical methods.
“However, it’s impossible to achieve 100 per cent satisfaction. What I meant was, with traditional methods, one in five patients would feel some level of dissatisfaction post-surgery.
“The robotic technology is designed to minimise this dissatisfaction. Previously, about 81 per cent of patients were satisfied with the results, which was considered acceptable in the 20th century,” he said.
He said this after delivering a presentation on robotic orthopaedics during the ROSA and VELYS Appreciation Dinner at English Tea House here Saturday (Dec 7).
He added that today’s patients, particularly the younger demographic, demand faster recovery and greater durability in treatments, with robotic technology playing a crucial role in meeting these heightened expectations.
Besides, Dr Lee also shared insights on the ideal age for knee replacement surgery, emphasising that older patients have traditionally been the primary candidates.
“Generally, we prefer to perform knee replacements in older patients because no implant can last a lifetime. However, advancements in technology and accuracy have shown promising results.
“Data from the registry indicate that even older implants have an 85 per cent survivorship rate over 25 years and with the latest innovations, we are optimistic that implants can last over 30 years,” he said.
Despite that, he acknowledged that complications, though rare, can occur, and as doctors, it is important to recognise that there are no guarantees.
“Complications, though rare, can happen. We inform patients about potential risks beforehand and work closely with our staff, rehab teams, and patients to address any issues that arise.
“This might include intensive physiotherapy, infection treatment, or, in rare cases, re-operations.
“If there is a one per cent complication rate, it means one in 100 patients will experience it. For that one patient, it feels like 100 per cent. We must always step into the patient’s shoes and handle such situations with care and understanding,” he said.
