Raising the bar for surgical precision and patient recovery, Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital has offered the latest-generation Mako SmartRobotics system for knee and hip replacement procedures. This robotic-assisted technology enables surgeons to plan and perform operations with sub-millimetre accuracy, significantly reducing trauma to bone and soft tissue.
‘The robot enhances what we can do; it doesn’t replace us,’ said Dr Kriskamol Sithitool, Orthopaedic Surgeon at Samitivej’s Sports and Orthopaedic Centre.
Moreover, the ability to perform bone cutting with such precise and accurate angles enables the application of new surgical theories – such as aligning the prosthetic joint to match the patient’s natural anatomy before degeneration occurs. This advancement allows for more natural post-operative outcomes, potentially leading to improved results and greater patient satisfaction.
Knee and hip replacements are complex procedures, particularly among ageing populations and patients suffering from sports injuries or accidents. Traditionally, outcomes depend heavily on surgical expertise, as joint angles vary from person to person.
‘Surgical experience is crucial to deliver accurate results. For over 13 years, case analysis and angle precision have driven successful outcomes,’ Dr Kriskamol added.
Advanced Robotic Technology for Superior Surgical Precision
The defining identity of Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital lies in its meticulous attention to every aspect of medical care, ensuring that every patient receives the highest level of satisfaction.
While robotic-assisted surgery is available elsewhere, Samitivej’s latest-generation Mako SmartRobotics system offers distinct advantages for knee and hip replacement procedures by combining robotic precision with advanced imaging and surgical planning.
‘Indeed, this model is currently the only one on the market capable of creating a highly realistic 3D virtual image of the patient’s knee or hip. This precision is achieved through simulations based on the patient’s actual CT scan data, allowing for a surgical plan that closely matches their unique anatomy,’ confirmed Dr Kriskamol.
The model selected by Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital is among the most advanced and premium versions available. It is capable of performing both knee and hip replacement surgeries. For knee operations, Mako SmartRobotics supports both total and partial knee replacements, making it one of the most comprehensive and versatile robotic systems currently available for surgical procedures.
Key capabilities include:
Precision and accuracy: Provides highly accurate cuts and implant positioning, increasing surgical efficiency and reducing complications.
Bone registry validation (0.5 mm): Minimises injury to bones and soft tissues, resulting in less post-operative pain and faster recovery.
AccuStop Haptic Technology: Restricts surgical instruments to safe zones, reducing the risk of tissue damage and enhancing patient safety.
Bone analysis: Evaluates bone alignment, tissue density and joint angles for optimal planning and implant positioning.
3D CT-based simulation: Creates a detailed, patient-specific model for precise surgical execution.
Comprehensive procedure support: Enables total and partial knee replacements, as well as total hip replacements.
This precision also enables new surgical theories – such as restoring the natural alignment of joints before degeneration – to be put into practice, improving long-term outcomes and patient satisfaction.
By integrating these features, the system ensures maximal surgical precision, safety and patient-centred outcomes, setting Samitivej apart from other hospitals utilising robotic-assisted surgery.
Patient-Centred Benefits: Faster Recovery, Less Pain
The surgical robot, Mako SmartRobotics represents a groundbreaking innovation that elevates the standards of medical treatment by enhancing safety and precision in advanced surgical procedures. In keeping with the hospital’s core commitment to providing the highest quality of care, Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital has invested in this cutting-edge technology to deliver superior outcomes for its patients.
Robotic-assisted procedures offer significant advantages over traditional surgery, including:
Reduced pain: Post-operative discomfort is considerably lower, with reductions of up to 55.4%.
Faster mobility: Patients are often able to begin walking within one to two days after surgery.
Shorter hospital stays: Accelerated recovery enables patients to resume their daily activities sooner.
Reduced medication needs and lower risk of repeat surgery: Pain management is simpler, while partial knee replacements show up to a 30% reduction in repeat procedures.
Improved joint function: Precise implant alignment promotes better long-term mobility.
High survivorship rate: Partial knee replacements demonstrate a 95.6% survival rate over five years (Australian Orthopaedic Association, 2024).
Remarks : Achievement rates are referenced from Stryker, a global leader in medical technologies.
Although further long-term studies are needed to assess every aspect of patient outcomes, both international and local data confirm that robotic-assisted procedures deliver results that are at least equivalent to – and often superior to – conventional surgical methods.
Comparison: Traditional vs Robotic Surgery
The advantages of robotic-assisted surgery become even clearer when compared to conventional methods. The following table illustrates the key differences in precision, recovery, and overall outcomes between traditional and robotic-assisted joint replacement:
‘I believe that in the future, AI and robotic-assisted surgical technologies will lead us towards personalised surgery – procedures that are tailored precisely to each individual patient. These advancements will allow operations to be performed with even greater accuracy and minimal margin for error,’ added Dr Kriskamol.
Pain Control and Anaesthesia Strategy
A specialised anaesthesiologist administers a spinal and nerve block on the leg undergoing surgery using a Combined Spinal-Epidural Block and Nerve Block (Adductor Canal Block) technique. The procedure takes approximately 30 minutes and works by numbing the spinal nerves responsible for movement and the epidural nerves that control pain sensation.
During the operation, the patient is unable to move the lower body or feel any sensation in the surgical area until the procedure is complete. After surgery, the anaesthesiologist continues to monitor the patient closely to ensure they remain free from post-operative pain. Pain relief through the epidural is maintained, while the medication affecting movement from the spinal block is gradually discontinued.
‘This approach allows patients to regain normal movement without pain, promoting smoother recovery and readiness for rehabilitation. Such procedures require a high level of experience and expertise from the anaesthesiologist,’ said Dr Usanee Sermdamrongsak, Anaesthesiologist, Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital.
Comprehensive Rehabilitation for Optimal Outcomes
During the recovery period, the anaesthesiologist continues to monitor pain control to ensure the patient does not experience post-operative discomfort, allowing for a faster and more comfortable recovery. Once the patient is ready to begin physical therapy, most no longer feel pain at the surgical site. At this stage, the anaesthesiologist discontinues pain management monitoring and proceeds with the standard referral for rehabilitation.
However, in some cases where mild pain persists but physiotherapy must begin for clinical reasons, the anaesthesiologist can selectively block the specific nerves responsible for pain sensation. This is carried out in coordination with a rehabilitation medicine specialist, enabling the patient to undergo physical therapy comfortably and without pain.
‘This method of patient care ensures that recovery progresses smoothly and that the patient can return to normal life free from post-surgical pain,’ explained Dr Paiyada Wongpakorn, Rehabilitation Medicine Specialist, Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital.
Samitivej integrates robotic surgery with advanced rehabilitation and exercise services to maximise recovery outcomes:
Isokinetic Testing and Training: Measures muscle strength and range of motion to guide personalised rehabilitation plans. For patients seeking to regain greater physical capacity or return to intensive physical activity, training under the supervision of a sports specialist, combined with the use of an isokinetic machine, provides an enhanced recovery option.
Advanced Rehabilitation Programme: Helps post-operative patients enhance physical performance and achieve higher levels of activity than before surgery, serving as a premium service for those pursuing advanced rehabilitation.
Medical Exercise Service: Led by PhD-level sports medicine specialists, this programme delivers patient-specific exercise regimens to optimise recovery and prevent future injuries.
This seamless integration of robotic surgery, rehabilitation, and personalised exercise programmes distinguishes Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital from other healthcare providers in Thailand.
‘Recovery doesn’t end when surgery is over. By integrating robotic surgery with specialised rehabilitation and personalised exercise programmes, we can optimise outcomes for every patient,’ added Dr Kriskamol.
Commitment to Continuous Improvement
Surgeons at Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital continually refine their skills to integrate the latest robotic technologies with clinical expertise, ensuring that patients receive the highest standards of care.
‘Every patient’s anatomy and recovery needs are unique. Robotics and specialised rehabilitation allow us to tailor surgery and recovery for the best possible outcomes,’ said Dr Kriskamol Sithitool, Orthopaedic Surgeon at Samitivej’s Sports and Orthopaedic Centre.
Through this ongoing commitment to innovation and professional development, Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital reaffirms its position as a leader in advanced, patient-centred orthopaedic care.