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…