TMC Pioneers Robotic-Assisted Surgery in the Philippines

The Medical City (TMC) strengthens its leadership position in the national hospital industry by being the first to introduce robotic-assisted surgery in the Philippines, thus broadening the options for minimally invasive surgery, particularly in the treatment of cancer.

Robotic-assisted surgery has benefited over 200,000 patients worldwide. The surgeon performs the procedure by manipulating robotic arms from a special viewing and control console. The arms wield fine surgical instruments that are able to cut, dissect and suture with full range of motion, as well as a camera that allows the surgeon to view the operative site in three dimensions,  magnified up to 10 times.

Smaller incisions, more precise surgical techniques and maximum visualization provide numerous benefits to patients including  minimal blood loss, limited collateral damage to adjacent tissue, less post-operative pain, lower risk of infection, reduced scarring, shorter hospital stay, faster recovery and superior treatment outcomes.

Robotic-assisted surgery is an option in the management of prostate cancer, kidney cancer, urinary bladder cancer, colorectal cancer and gynecological cancers. Beyond its cancer applications, the surgical robot can be utilized in kidney surgery, thyroid surgery, uterine surgery, lymph node dissection, treatment for female incontinence, and even open heart surgery.

“We want to offer our patients a broader and better range of service offerings right here at home, and this is the motivation that fuels our continuing investments in treatment capabilities for cancer and other serious medical conditions. It’s not just about buying the latest equipment; it’s about bringing together all the resources – technology, facilities, physician experts, allied medical staff  support, etc. – to make world class services accessible and affordable to our patient partners,” says Margaret A. Bengzon, Group  Head of TMC’s Strategic Services Group.