First robotic throat cancer surgery in Southern Malaysia successfully performed at Pantai Hospital Melaka
The breakthrough procedure highlights the hospital’s growing capabilities in robotic Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) surgery and its commitment to expanding access to advanced medical technology.
SHAH ALAM – Pantai Hospital Melaka has reached a major milestone in cancer treatment after successfully performing the first Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS) in Melaka and Southern Malaysia, marking a significant advancement in minimally invasive robotic-assisted care in the region.
The breakthrough procedure highlights the hospital’s growing capabilities in robotic Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) surgery and its commitment to expanding access to advanced medical technology.
Pantai Hospital Melaka chief executive officer Dr Kevin Khoo Teck Joon described the achievement as an important step forward for healthcare in Southern Malaysia.
“This procedure reflects our ongoing commitment to advancing precision care and improving patient outcomes through innovative medical technology,” he said.
TORS is a minimally invasive surgical technique that enables surgeons to remove tumours in the throat using robotic assistance, offering greater precision while reducing surgical trauma and shortening recovery time.
The operation was led by consultant ENT surgeon Dr Ahmad Izani Mohd Safian, supported by a multidisciplinary team comprising anaesthetists and operating theatre staff.
Using the Da Vinci Xi robotic system, the surgery was completed successfully in under an hour.
“Robotic-assisted surgery allows us to treat difficult cancers in the throat with greater precision and less trauma to surrounding tissue,” Dr Izani said.
He added that for selected patients, the technique helps preserve vital functions such as speech and swallowing while ensuring effective removal of the cancer.
“The Da Vinci Xi surgical system provides high-definition, three-dimensional magnified vision, enabling precise surgical access to difficult areas such as the base of the tongue and the oropharynx, while minimising injury to surrounding healthy tissue,” he said.
The patient had been diagnosed with advanced cancer of the left tonsil. Under conventional treatment, surgery would have required extensive removal of parts of the tongue, voice box and neck structures, potentially affecting speech, swallowing and breathing.
However, following treatment, scans showed significant improvement, leaving only a small residual lesion in the left tonsil and base of the tongue.
After a multidisciplinary review and counselling, the patient chose to undergo TORS to remove the remaining tumour.
Dr Izani said the patient recovered well after the operation, was able to resume eating orally shortly after surgery and was discharged the following day.
“This reflects the benefits of minimally invasive robotic surgery in reducing recovery time and improving patient comfort,” he added.
Pantai Hospital Melaka said it remains committed to strengthening its specialised healthcare services while continuing to provide advanced treatment options for communities in Melaka and across the Southern Region.
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