Robotic operating theatre puts HK at cutting edge of medicine

A world first in state-of-the-art operating theatres which allows surgery to be performed more precisely and safely was unveiled at Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital yesterday.

The operating theatre for minimally invasive surgery has been equipped with the latest model of a robotic operating system.

The system, which generates high-definition 3D images, has four arms: one to hold an endoscope and the others holding surgical instruments. The hospital said the arms, operated by surgeons, were as flexible as human arms.

'Even through a tiny incision, doctors can perform a full range of motions safely and accurately,' said Professor Michael Li Ka-wah, head of the hospital's department of surgery.

The operating theatre, including the robotic system, cost HK$38 million and was funded by an anonymous donor.

Software developed by the hospital projects three-dimensional images on a large plasma screen.