Johor bahru: To fulfil her lifelong wish of performing the haj pilgrimage last May, Zaliha Abd Rahman underwent a hysterectomy just a month before leaving for the holy land. Initially anxious about the short recovery period, the 50-year-old mother of five found hope in the Da Vinci robotic surgical system at KPJ Johor Specialist Hospital, becoming the first patient in the KPJ Southern Zone network to undergo the advanced procedure.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Zaliha met Dr Sharifah in March and was informed of the necessity of surgery. With her haj preparations underway, she wanted to ensure her health was in optimal condition. Zaliha conducted extensive research on the Da Vinci system, much of which was sourced from international platforms, and was reassured by the system's ability to maintain consistency and precision, reducing the risk of hand tremors associated with manual surgery.
Zaliha expressed gratitude for the procedure, which allowed her to recover fully in just two weeks. She was pleasantly surprised by the minimal pain and her ability to walk the day following surgery, which significantly alleviated her concerns as a working mother preparing for the haj.
Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist in Reproductive Medicine at KPJ Johor Specialist Hospital, Dr Sharifah Shahirah Syed Hashim, who led the surgery, described the Da Vinci technology as a milestone in Malaysian gynaecology. She explained that the system reduces reliance on painkillers, involves smaller incisions, and facilitates faster recovery, providing a superior alternative to conventional surgery.
Dr Sharifah detailed the system's components, including the patient-side cart, surgeon console, and monitor unit, which collectively enhance surgical precision and provide comprehensive 360-degree visualisation of the surgical area. Her journey to certification involved five months of rigorous training, beginning in October last year, encompassing online modules, simulations, video systems, and animal surgeries.
Dr Sharifah Shahirah performed her first robotic-assisted surgery in March this year, marking her as one of the first specialists in Malaysia to conduct gynaecological procedures with the Da Vinci system. The technology leverages a surgeon-controlled robotic arm to enable minimally invasive procedures with smaller incisions, greater precision, reduced risk, and expedited recovery.
KPJ Healthcare Berhad presently operates two Da Vinci units at KPJ Johor Specialist Hospital and KPJ Damansara Specialist Hospital 2. There are plans to install two additional machines, broadening access to robotic treatment for more patients.