Loh keeps learning, 4 decades and 1,000 robotic operations later

Dr Loh Chit Sin has performed over 1,000 robotic-assisted procedures using systems that translate a surgeon’s hand movements into highly precise actions inside the body. (Dr Loh Chit Sin pic)

KUALA LUMPUR: When you hear the term “robotic surgery”, it is easy to imagine a machine independently carrying out a complex operation while the surgeon simply watches from the sidelines.

Veteran urologist Dr Loh Chit Sin, however, says this could not be further from the truth.

“It’s not like the robot cleaners you have at home, moving around by themselves. These robots do absolutely nothing on their own,” the 68-year-old told FMT Lifestyle.

“The moment I take my eyes off the controls, a laser detects it and the machine freezes. The system enhances a surgeon’s abilities while completely preventing them from drifting off.”

Instead, the robot serves as an extension of the surgeon’s hands, allowing for movements that would be difficult or impossible with conventional instruments.

For patients, this often means smaller incisions, less pain, faster recovery and, in many cases, better preservation of important bodily functions.

With more than four decades of experience, Loh specialises in surgery involving the urinary tract and male reproductive system, treating conditions ranging from kidney stones to cancers of the kidney, bladder and prostate.

After completing his medical degree and surgical training in the United Kingdom, where he lived for 19 years, the Penang-born doctor eventually found his calling in urology through the influence of an inspiring mentor.

With more than four decades in urology, Loh has witnessed major advances in surgical care and now helps train the next generation of specialists at Hospital Picaso. (Terence Toh @ FMT Lifestyle)

“I originally wanted to become a cardiac surgeon, but over the years, I realised urology was my destiny,” he shared. “It is rewarding, technically challenging and constantly evolving.”

Today, Loh – who serves as chairman of clinical practice and a consultant urologist at Hospital Picaso in Petaling Jaya – is regarded as one of Malaysia’s leading robotic urological surgeons.

He recently received an award recognising his 1,000th robotic surgical procedure: the only Malaysian surgeon to receive the honour, alongside three surgeons from Thailand.

Loh, however, sees the achievement not as a finish line but as another step in an ongoing learning process.

“My first robotic case took around eight hours,” he recalled. “Today, many similar operations take about 90 minutes – and I’m still improving. I hope to one day complete one in under an hour. There is no end to learning.”

He performs an estimated 160 robotic-assisted surgeries a year and believes he has completed about 1,400 cases to date.

The robotic arms allow surgeons to perform delicate movements with greater precision and control. (Terence Toh @ FMT Lifestyle)

Unlike traditional open surgery, robotic-assisted procedures are performed through several small “keyhole” incisions rather than one large cut.

Long instruments fitted with articulated joints allow surgeons to work with exceptional precision inside the body while viewing the operation through a magnified three-dimensional camera.

“The robot gives me far greater freedom of movement than conventional keyhole surgery,” Loh explained. “The instruments don’t shake, they can bend in multiple directions, and that allows us to perform extremely delicate work that would otherwise be very demanding.”

He stressed that robotic surgery should only be used when it offers meaningful clinical advantages for the patient, rather than simply making life easier for surgeons.

While each procedure may add between RM15,000 and RM20,000 to the overall cost of treatment – and insurance coverage remains limited – the robot’s enhanced speed and manoeuvrability can offer significant clinical benefits.

During kidney surgery, robotic assistance can reduce the amount of time the organ’s blood supply is temporarily disrupted, improving chances of preserving long-term kidney function.

For prostate cancer surgery, this greater precision can significantly aid recovery from urinary continence and improve erectile function.

And in operations involving kidney tumours, the robot allows surgeons to remove the cancer while preserving as much healthy kidney tissue as possible.

Loh receiving an award for his 1,000th robotic procedure – a milestone he views as part of an ongoing learning journey. (Dr Loh Chit Sin pic)

Loh believes robotic-assisted surgery has yet to reach its full potential. As more hospitals adopt these systems and surgeons gain greater experience with them, he expects the technology to play an increasingly important role in a wider range of complex procedures.

He also foresees greater use of remote technology in surgical training, allowing experienced specialists to mentor colleagues performing operations hundreds of kilometres away.

For now, his focus remains firmly on the operating theatre – and on preparing the next generation of surgeons.

“I’m still very passionate about what I do,” Loh said. “One day I’ll retire, but before that, I want to pass these skills on. That’s probably the most important thing I can do.”

Source

Loh keeps learning, 4 decades and 1,000 robotic operations later (Free Malaysia Today, 30 July 2026)