{
  "id": 2684851,
  "title": "How robotic surgery is changing pancreatic treatment",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/how-robotic-surgery-is-changing-pancreatic-treatment-2684851",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-08-23T00:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today-freemalays",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/leisure/2026/08/23/how-robotic-surgery-is-changing-pancreatic-treatment"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Pancreatic surgery is notoriously intricate due to the organ's delicate location behind the stomach and near key blood vessels. However, advances in minimally invasive and robotic-assisted techniques are revolutionizing the field. Consultant hepatobiliary, pancreatic and robotic surgeon Dr Bong Jan Jin explains that these procedures grant surgeons greater precision, leading to improved outcomes for patients.\n\nOne common robotic procedure is the distal pancreatectomy, which entails removing the body and tail of the pancreas. In some cases, the spleen may also need to be excised, though surgeons strive to preserve it given its crucial role in protecting the body against infection. Unlike traditional open surgery which necessitates a large abdominal incision, robotic surgery involves several tiny incisions through which the surgeon operates robotic instruments from a nearby console.\n\nAccording to Dr Bong, the robotic system offers a magnified three-dimensional view of internal organs, while the robotic arms mimic the natural movement of the human wrist, thereby enhancing precision in confined spaces. Patients undergoing robotic pancreatic surgery often experience less pain, require fewer strong painkillers, and may begin moving and regain bowel function sooner than those who undergo open surgery.\n\nThe smaller incisions made during robotic surgery also facilitate easier resumption of everyday activities, although recovery times vary based on the patient's overall health, the extent of surgery, and whether complications arise. However, not every patient is an ideal candidate for robotic or laparoscopic surgery; the decision hinges on factors such as the tumor's size and location, as well as the involvement of major blood vessels.\n\nA prevalent concern among patients is whether the removal of part of the pancreas could lead to diabetes. Dr Bong clarifies that the risk depends significantly on the patient's pre-surgery health and the amount of pancreatic tissue removed. For suitable cases, robotic surgery provides a less invasive approach, resulting in only a few small abdominal scars instead of a single large incision.\n\nPatients with pre-existing diabetes may necessitate stronger medications or increased insulin post-surgery, while those with pre-diabetes may require closer monitoring. For individuals without any history of diabetes, removing half of the pancreas does not automatically mean they will develop the condition, as the remaining pancreas can often continue producing sufficient insulin and digestive enzymes. However, they may need time to adjust after surgery, during which small, frequent meals rich in protein and low in fat and sugar are recommended to reduce strain on the digestive system while the remaining pancreas adapts. With proper dietary guidance and follow-up care, Dr Bong asserts that most patients adjust well and eventually return to their usual routines.",
  "summary": "Smaller incisions, greater precision and faster recovery are helping ease the burden of complex procedures.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "How robotic surgery is changing pancreatic treatment",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/how-robotic-surgery-is-changing-pancreatic-treatment",
        "published": "2026-08-23T00:00:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}