PETALING JAYA: Lack of awareness in prostate cancer is still present among men, despite it being the third most common cancer in the country. Prostate cancer is experienced by one in 120 men in Malaysia, especially those above the age of 50.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Consultant Urologist, Endourologist and Robotic Surgeon at Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City Dr Christopher Lee Kheng Siang explained that the risk of prostate cancer increases with age, and unfortunately, 60 per cent of patients in the country are still diagnosed at late stages, reflecting the importance of early detection. Dr Lee emphasized that prostate cancer is largely asymptomatic, or the symptoms may be confused with those of benign prostate enlargement. However, it can be detected via a tumour marker called prostate-specific antigen (PSA), which can be included in regular medical check-ups to detect the condition early.
Dr Lee highlighted that prostate cancer can be treated early through surgery, radiotherapy, or focal therapy,
though the latter is not yet widely available in Malaysia. He noted that advancements in technology are aiding patients in recovering better and faster. Different options are available for different stages of the disease depending on the patient’s condition. In terms of surgery, it is divided into open surgery, which involves a large incision on the abdomen, or laparoscopic surgery (keyhole surgery) which involves multiple small incisions. Additionally, robotic-assisted surgery, a more advanced form of laparoscopic surgery, utilizes robotic arms controlled by the surgeon to achieve precise surgical movements. This method is less painful and involves less blood loss compared to conventional surgeries.
Dr Lee further stated that robotic-assisted surgery shortens a patient’s average hospital stay from a maximum of five days to three days and is suitable for any prostate cancer patient, depending on their clinical stage. Addressing a common misconception, Dr Lee noted that many patients assume that robotic-assis
ted surgery is performed solely by artificial intelligence, which often causes fear. However, he reassured patients that the robot is a precision tool controlled by the surgeon, with human expertise guiding every step of the procedure.
Technological advancements in robotic instruments offer higher versatility, flexibility in movement, and improved camera resolution, providing a high-definition, three-dimensional view of the surgical anatomy. Intelligent software aids in the positioning of the robotic console, allowing faster preparation for surgery and tailoring the robot’s position to the type of surgery and patient position. Dr Lee mentioned that 5G connectivity enabling telesurgery has been successfully tested in other developed countries, though it has yet to be tested in Malaysia. Ongoing research aims to produce haptic feedback to allow surgeons to feel the patient’s anatomy.
Meanwhile, Dr Lee advises patients to engage with their doctors about available treatments, seek insights from prostate cancer
support groups, and read official medical websites to better understand surgical methods. Sunway Medical Centre in Sunway City, established in 1999, is a multi-award-winning largest private quaternary hospital in Malaysia, with 28 Centres of Excellence and a diverse multidisciplinary team. It is the first hospital in the country to obtain three major hospital-wide accreditations, including the Joint Commission International (JCI) Accreditation. SMC has performed over 3,000 robotic surgeries with a team of 27 highly skilled, robotic-trained surgeons from various disciplines.