KOTA KINABALU: Upper Gastrointestinal, Bariatric and General Surgeon Dr Ooi Wei Keat (seated) and his sugical team performing the first robotic-assisted bariatric surgery in Sabah. Photo courtesy of Dr Ooi Wei Keat
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Pictures courtesy of Dr Ooi Wei Keat
KOTA KINABALU: A hospital in Sabah has successfully performed its first Da Vinci robotic-assisted bariatric surgery, marking a significant milestone in advanced surgical care in the state.
The Da Vinci Surgical System is an advanced robotic platform used by surgeons to perform minimally invasive surgeries with greater precision, control, and flexibility than traditional methods.
Upper Gastrointestinal, Bariatric and General Surgeon Dr Ooi Wei Keat said the procedure, a robotic sleeve gastrectomy, was carried out on a woman in her twenties with severe obesity and a body mass index (BMI) of 59.
“This is an advanced, minimally invasive bariatric procedure designed to reduce stomach volume and promote long-term weight loss.
"Using a robotic surgical platform, the surgeon operates with enhanced precision, stability and three-dimensional visualisation,” he told the New Straits Times , adding the surgery took about two and a half hours.
Dr Ooi said the operation involved removing about 70 to 80 per cent of the stomach to create a narrow sleeve, while preserving normal digestive continuity.
The robotic system enables finer dissection and improved visualisation, which is especially beneficial in patients with high BMI where anatomy can be more challenging.
He added the patient's previous condition was associated with significant health risks and reduced quality of life such as chronic backache, knee pain, and recurrent gastritis that was largely exacerbated by repeated cycles of extreme dieting.
After the procedure, Dr Ooi said she was able to mobilise early and was discharged after just one night in hospital.
“She experienced significantly less postoperative pain, minimal wound discomfort and a faster return to daily activities,” he said, adding that reduced tissue trauma from the robotic approach likely contributed to improved recovery.
Within two weeks of the procedure, the patient had lost 12kg and reported improvements in mobility, energy levels and overall well-being.
Dr Ooi said robotic bariatric surgery represents more than a technological advancement, offering patients an opportunity to regain their health and confidence.
“For this young patient, the journey has just begun, but the early results are promising. With continued follow-up, nutritional guidance and lifestyle adjustments, she is on a path not just towards weight loss, but towards a healthier and more fulfilling life,” he said.
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