CUHK Medical Centre introduces endoscopic robot

The Chinese University's Medical Centre has introduced a multi-functional robot capable of performing endoscopic surgeries with increased flexibility and accuracy. The robot is currently used for designated surgeries including urological procedures. The centre hopes to apply the robot to other specialist areas in the future.

70-year-old Mr. Cheung, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer last year, has been recovering from the disease since the cancer was removed in a surgical procedure assisted by the endoscopic robot at the start of this year.

Cheung said he was surprised that he did not suffer from incontinence after the surgery -- a condition which concerned him the most.

Developed in Hong Kong, the endoscopic robot was introduced to President Xi Jinping during his visit to the Science Park in 2022.

Composed of three parts, the robot consists of a control panel, a robotic arm-platform, and a high definition display system for its user.

The multiple arms are capable of conducting various tasks such as endoscopy, and could raise the flexibility and accuracy of surgical operations while decreasing the risks of bleeding and other complications.

There are three such robots in the city, and the CUHK Medical Centre introduced one of them to be used for urological operations.

Jeremy Teoh, an associate professor at CUHK's Department of Surgery, said the robot could provide tremendous help in precise procedures in the prostate, given the complicated network of nerves in the organ. He hopes the robot could help maintain the patient's urine control post-operation in addition to removing the cancer.

The medical centre is also rolling out a funding programme to financially assist patients undergoing surgeries involving the endoscopic robot. CUHK hopes the robot will extend its service to gynecology and cardiology in the future.