thailand8217s first successful

Thailand’s First Successful Kidney Transplant Using Robotic-Assisted Surgery Marks Medical Milestone

BANGKOK — Rajavithi Hospital has become the first in Thailand to successfully complete a kidney transplant using robotic-assisted surgery, a breakthrough that marks a milestone in high-precision medical treatment and promises to reduce patient pain while improving post-operative quality of life.

Chiang Mai Surgeons Make History with Thailand’s First Twin Liver Transplant

Dr. Nattapong Wongwiwat, director-general of the Medical Services Department, announced the achievement, stating that the success reflects the development of high-end medical technology in Thailand. The procedure, he said, exemplifies a focus on high-precision treatment designed to reduce complications and increase access to specific high-quality services for patients who might otherwise face long waiting lists and less optimal outcomes.
The historic surgical success is attributable to the collaboration between the Centre of Excellence in Robot-Assisted Urological Surgery and the Centre of Excellence in Organ Transplant, according to Dr. Sakarn Bunnag, deputy director-general of the Department of Medical Services. The urological surgery and nephrology teams at Rajavithi Hospital worked together to plan and execute the procedure, drawing on years of accumulated experience in both robotic and traditional transplant methods.

The kidney transplant follows more than 400 urological surgical procedures using robotic-assisted surgery and more than 449 traditional kidney transplants conducted at the hospital, said Tanet Thaidumrong, chief of the urological surgery section. The extensive prior experience gave the surgical team the confidence to combine the two disciplines, applying robotic technology to the delicate and complex task of kidney transplantation.

The advantage of robotic-assisted surgery lies in the technology’s ability to provide high-definition three-dimensional images, allowing doctors to see full details of the blood system and fine tissue at a magnification ten times greater than traditional surgery. In a kidney transplant, where connecting blood vessels and the ureter requires millimetre precision, such enhanced visibility is a game-changer. The surgeon controls the robotic arms from a console, translating hand movements into precise, tremor-free actions inside the patient’s body.

Tanet explained that this technique will help reduce complications and the risks of post-operative infections. Traditional open kidney transplant surgery requires a large incision, significant blood loss and weeks of recovery. Robotic-assisted surgery uses small incisions, reduces trauma to surrounding tissue, shortens hospital stays and allows patients to return to normal life much faster. For recipients of donor kidneys, who face a lifetime of immunosuppressive medication and regular monitoring, a faster, less painful recovery is a significant benefit.

The success at Rajavithi Hospital comes at a critical time. Currently, there are more than 8,000 patients in Thailand awaiting organ donations, a waiting list that far exceeds the available supply of donor kidneys. Any improvement in transplant technology that reduces complications and improves outcomes encourages more living donations and makes better use of available organs. Robotic-assisted surgery, by reducing the physical toll on recipients, may also encourage more people to consider becoming living donors, knowing that the recipient’s recovery will be faster and less painful.

Thai Singer Zee Undergoes Surgery after Car Crash

For now, the first successful robotic-assisted kidney transplant is a proof of concept. The surgical team at Rajavithi Hospital has demonstrated that the procedure is feasible and safe. The next step is to expand access, training more surgeons and equipping more hospitals with the technology. For the 8,000 patients on the waiting list, that day cannot come soon enough. And for Thailand’s medical community, the achievement places the country among a select group of nations offering robotic-assisted organ transplantation. The future of surgery has arrived, and it is guided by robotic arms and high-definition cameras. The patient who received the first robotic-assisted kidney transplant is recovering well. For those still waiting, hope has just been upgraded.

-Thailand News (TN)

Similar Posts

  • |

    Petrol, diesel prices may fall further

    Petroleum product prices in Pakistan may see another reduction from August 5, offering potential relief to consumers already facing high fuel costs. According to sources within the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA), the price of petrol could decrease by Rs3.39 per litre, while high-speed diesel may become cheaper by Rs4.07 per litre. The latest calculations suggest that the price of petrol could fall to approximately Rs328.56 per litre after the proposed reduction. Similarly, the price of high-speed diesel may come down to an estimated Rs385.86 per litre. OGRA sources said the initial working for the possible price adjustment has been completed. The final decision, however, will depend on the government’s review of the latest calculations and other relevant factors before announcing the new prices. The possible reduction comes shortly after the government announced a cut in petroleum prices. In the previous adjustment, the government reduced the price of petrol by Rs4.08 per litre, while the price of diesel fell by Rs2.45 per litre. If the latest proposed cuts receive approval, consumers could see another decline in fuel prices within a short period. A reduction in petrol prices would directly benefit motorists and households that rely on private vehicles for daily commuting. Lower diesel prices could also provide some relief to the transport sector, as diesel powers a large number of commercial vehicles, buses, trucks and other heavy transport used to move people and goods across the country. A decline in fuel prices may also help reduce pressure on transportation and logistics costs. Since diesel plays a major role in the movement of agricultural produce, industrial goods and essential commodities, any reduction in its price could potentially ease some of the cost burden on businesses and consumers. However, the impact of the proposed reduction on overall inflation will depend on several factors, including transportation costs, exchange rate movements and international oil prices. The government is expected to announce the final petroleum prices after completing its review and approving the new rates. The expected adjustment comes as consumers continue to closely monitor fuel prices because of their direct impact on household budgets and the cost of everyday goods and services. Any further reduction in petrol and diesel prices could provide some short-term financial relief to the public and businesses.

  • Thai Navy Uncovers Modified Anti-Personnel Mines in Border Area

    BANGKOK – Thai naval authorities have reported the discovery of modified anti-personnel landmines in a recently secured border zone, raising serious allegations of violations of international humanitarian law. The finding follows a recent military operation by the Chanthaburi-Trat Border Defense Command to retake control of the Nong Ri Village area, which had been occupied as […]

  • | |

    Kamal: Karachi deserves Rs800bn NFC share

    Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal has said that he entered politics as an IT minister 23 years ago and became Karachi’s mayor 21 years ago, claiming that he played a role in ending the politics of violence in the city. Speaking in Karachi, Kamal said he had spoken out against a system in which people could be killed simply for expressing disagreement. He said Karachi’s political and administrative problems could not be resolved without addressing the structural issues facing the city. Kamal claimed that Karachi had not been properly counted in the population census. He said the city’s share under the National Finance Commission (NFC) award would amount to around Rs800 billion this year. He argued that the existing system was damaging not only Karachi but the entire country. According to him, the city continues to face serious problems despite massive spending and a lack of effective administrative arrangements. The federal minister said drinking water was not reaching many parts of Karachi, while the city’s sewage system was also unable to properly dispose of wastewater. He said there was no effective mechanism to transfer sufficient powers and resources to the grassroots level. Kamal further claimed that despite around Rs22,000 billion being spent in the city, Karachi had reached the third position on a global list of cities with poor living conditions. He stressed that the city needed stronger local governance, adequate resources and greater administrative powers at the grassroots level to address its longstanding problems. Commenting on the political debate over administrative units, Kamal said that if the old Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) were still in its previous form, the responsibility for incidents such as the Gul Plaza tragedy would have been placed on the party. He said he had advocated the creation of an administrative unit for better governance and claimed that the proposal was now receiving support from different quarters. Kamal added that under the old political environment, such a proposal would have been dismissed as a foreign conspiracy. He maintained that Karachi’s governance problems required practical administrative reforms rather than political accusations.

  • |

    Mohammad Ali’s four-wicked haul skittles Wes…

    Mohammad Ali delivered a career-best performance, taking 4-50 as Pakistan bowled out West Indies for 311 on the second day of the first Test at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba . The right-arm pacer’s inspired spell ensured the Men in Maroon could only add two runs to their total after lunch before being dismissed, with Shai Hope agonizingly falling short of a century pinned on 92 by Ali . Pakistan had made an early breakthrough in the morning session, dismissing well-set Kavem Hodge for 84 after West Indies resumed on 194-3 following a rain-truncated opening day. Khurram Shahzad struck early as Hodge edged to second slip, where Salman Ali Agha held a sharp catch, with the hosts adding just two runs to their overnight total . The dismissal ended a 91-run partnership that had steadied the West Indies innings. From there, the hosts lost their way, losing wickets in quick succession despite brief stands . Justin Greaves and Hope added 34 runs for the fifth wicket before Ali’s persistence paid off. Ali got Greaves shortly after Hope had been dropped by Azan Awais in the slips, with Greaves managing just 15 . Skipper Roston Chase arrived at 231-5 and added 26 with Hope before Mohammad Abbas found his edge, with Mohammad Rizwan taking a safe catch behind the stumps. Chase made 10 . With the tail exposed, Pakistan sensed an opportunity to close out the innings, but Hope batted impressively including an elegant six over cover off Shahzad and shared a 17-run stand with Kemar Roach (3) to take West Indies past 300 by lunch . Hope’s resistance ended on 92 when Ali trapped him in front . After lunch, Shamar Joseph was caught for 23 and Jayden Seales was bowled by Ali without scoring as the innings folded . Mohammad Abbas, continuing his return to form after being included in the touring squad for the upcoming England series, picked up three wickets in his 26 overs . Pakistan will now look to build a substantial first-innings lead on a pitch that has offered increasing assistance to the seamers as the game has progressed .

  • | |

    Pakistan faces 400+ cyberattacks this year

    Pakistan has faced more than 400 cyberattacks during the current year, with authorities successfully stopping all reported attacks in time, according to the Director General of the National Cyber Emergency Response Team, Dr Haider Abbas. Dr Abbas said the growing number of cyber threats showed the need for stronger national cybersecurity measures. He called for the establishment of a powerful National Cyber Security Authority to coordinate cybersecurity efforts across the country. Speaking in an interview, he said Pakistan was facing increasingly complex cyber threats. He also warned about the risks posed by cyberattacks allegedly backed by state actors. According to Dr Abbas, Pakistan needs a central institution with sufficient authority to deal with the growing cybersecurity challenges. He proposed placing the National Cyber Security Authority under the prime minister. He said a national authority working under the prime minister could respond more effectively to major cyber threats. It could also improve coordination between government institutions and other organisations responsible for digital security. The official stressed that cybersecurity had become an important national issue. The increasing dependence on digital systems has also increased the potential risks to government institutions, businesses and other critical sectors. More than 400 attacks reported this year highlight the scale of the challenge facing Pakistan. Although the attacks were reportedly prevented, officials believe the country needs stronger systems to detect and respond to future threats. Dr Abbas said the proposed authority should oversee cybersecurity across the country. It should also ensure that different institutions follow effective security measures and remain prepared for emerging digital threats. A central cybersecurity body could help improve coordination during cyber emergencies. It could also allow authorities to respond quickly when sensitive digital systems come under attack. The official’s proposal comes as cyber threats continue to become more sophisticated worldwide. Governments are increasingly focusing on protecting critical infrastructure, public institutions and digital networks from cyberattacks. Pakistan has also expanded its dependence on online systems in government, banking, communications and other sectors. Any major cyberattack on important infrastructure could potentially disrupt essential services. Dr Abbas therefore called for a stronger national framework to protect Pakistan’s digital environment. He said the proposed authority should have a clear mandate and sufficient powers to manage cybersecurity across the country. He also emphasised the importance of a coordinated national response. Different government departments and institutions need to work together to identify threats and prevent attacks before they cause damage. The official said placing the authority under the prime minister would give it greater effectiveness and allow important decisions to be taken quickly. The disclosure of more than 400 cyberattacks this year has renewed attention on Pakistan’s digital security. Authorities are now facing growing pressure to strengthen national cybersecurity systems and improve preparedness against future threats.

  • | |

    Army troops deployed in Rawalpindi for six months

    The federal government has approved the deployment of three companies of the Pakistan Army in Rawalpindi. The troops will perform sensitive security duties in the city. The deployment will remain in place for six months. The decision was taken after a request from the Punjab Home Department. The Interior Ministry issued the deployment order on August 21. The order said the army personnel would help prevent any undesirable situation. They will also assist the civil administration in dealing with any unexpected security challenge. The deployment has been authorised under Article 245 of the Constitution. The provision allows the armed forces to assist the civil administration when required. The troops will perform their duties according to the requirements of the district administration. Their presence is intended to strengthen security arrangements and improve the authorities’ ability to respond to emergencies. The government has given the deployment immediate effect. The three army companies can therefore begin their assigned security responsibilities without delay. The order did not provide details about the exact locations where the troops will be stationed. It also did not specify particular operations or threats that prompted the deployment. The decision places additional security resources at the disposal of the Rawalpindi administration. Civil authorities can seek the assistance of the deployed personnel when required during the six-month period. The deployment is part of the government’s broader security arrangements. The use of military personnel under Article 245 is intended to support civilian authorities while they carry out their responsibilities.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *