By Rosli Mansor Ahmad Razali
IPOH: KMC Medical Centre has achieved a major milestone in Perak’s healthcare sector by performing the state’s first robotic-assisted surgery using the Edge Medical MP1000 Surgical Robotic System.
The landmark procedure was conducted in collaboration with QURUS by Dr G, a Malaysian surgical group led by consultant bariatric and robotic surgeon Dr Gafoor Mubarak.
The partnership pairs KMC Medical Centre’s hospital infrastructure with QURUS’s specialised expertise in robotic and metabolic surgery. The technology is expected to significantly broaden access to modern, minimally invasive care for patients across Perak and Northern Malaysia.
Greater Precision Through Robotic Assistance
The Edge Medical MP1000 assists surgeons in executing complex procedures with enhanced precision, 3D high-definition visualisation, superior dexterity, and advanced instrument control. Equipped with wristed instruments and tremor-filtering technology, the system supports highly controlled surgical movements.
During the procedure, the surgeon remains in full control at all times; the robotic system does not operate autonomously, but rather translates the surgeon’s hand movements into micro-precise instrument actions in real time.
For suitable candidates, minimally invasive robotic surgery offers key clinical benefits over traditional open surgery, including smaller incisions, reduced tissue trauma, minimal blood loss, and decreased postoperative discomfort.
Consequently, patients often experience smaller scars, shorter hospital stays, and faster overall recovery. However, individual treatment outcomes vary depending on the procedure and the patient’s medical profile.
Over 2,100 Procedures Performed
QURUS by Dr G brings extensive experience in bariatric and minimally invasive surgery to the partnership. Since 2023, Dr Gafoor has performed over 2,100 procedures, maintaining an exceptionally low complication rate of 0.38%. QURUS attributes this track record to high surgical volume, standardised techniques, and structured postoperative protocols.
Beyond surgical care, QURUS has established a comprehensive patient-care ecosystem, which includes a dedicated mobile application for weight tracking, scheduled follow-ups, and continuous clinical monitoring.
The group is also developing a network of specialist clinics and an ambulatory care centre, while expanding its cross-border referral program for international patients from Indonesia and Brunei.
Expanding Across Medical Specialities
While initially focused on bariatric, metabolic, and hernia procedures, KMC Medical Centre and QURUS plan to expand the robotic program progressively into general, gastrointestinal, colorectal, hepatobiliary, and upper GI surgeries, as well as complex revisional operations.
Future phases will incorporate urology, gynaecology, and thoracic surgery in collaboration with KMC’s clinical teams.
Each new subspecialty will be rolled out systematically, backed by structured surgeon training, proctoring, and strict case-by-case patient selection to maintain robust clinical governance and prioritise patient safety.
Making Advanced Surgery Affordable
A primary goal of the initiative is to make robotic-assisted surgery an accessible, affordable treatment option rather than an exclusive premium service.
By offering the MP1000 system locally, KMC Medical Centre aims to spare patients from having to travel to major metropolitan hubs for advanced care. The initiative strengthens Perak’s standing as an emerging medical destination while providing high-quality, patient-centred surgical care closer to home.
