Sri Lanka has recorded a milestone using artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted robotic technology for the first time.
Two procedures were carried out at the Asiri Surgical Hospital in Colombo, marking a significant advancement.
One surgery involved the removal of the uterus of a woman in her 50s, and the other involved a complex kidney-related procedure.
The use of AI and advanced programming enables the system to carry out highly precise movements, allowing surgeons to perform complex procedures with improved accuracy.
Dr Samanthi de Silva, chief operating officer of the Asiri Surgical Hospital, said that the surgeon involved in the procedures had received specialised training in China, while more than 30 doctors are expected to receive training in robotic surgical techniques in the future.
She noted that the introduction of this technology could reduce the need for Sri Lankan patients to seek treatment overseas for complex surgeries, including procedures related to prostate cancer.
Expanding the use of AI-assisted robotic surgery to more hospitals could also help to reduce medical travel abroad.
In a LinkedIn post, she wrote: ‘With the launch of Sri Lanka’s first robotic surgery programme, we reaffirm our commitment to providing safer, smarter, and more advanced healthcare for generations to come.
‘This is far more than the installation of sophisticated equipment. It represents planning, investment, and commitment to clinical excellence. While the robotic surgical system is currently being installed, teams of renowned consultant surgeons, theatre nurses, and technical professionals are undergoing intensive international training to ensure that every procedure is delivered safely, confidently, and to the highest global standards.
‘Robotic surgery represents the future of minimally invasive surgery. By combining the expertise of highly skilled surgeons with advanced robotic technology, patients can benefit from exceptional precision, enhanced visualisation through high-definition 3D imaging, and greater control during complex surgical procedures. Beyond serving patients in Sri Lanka, this programme strengthens the country’s potential as a regional healthcare destination. Patients from neighbouring countries across South Asia and the Indian Ocean region will now have access to internationally comparable robotic surgical care without travelling to distant medical centres.’
