Dr Fong ’ s journey to the forefront of robotic surgery is as remarkable as his groundbreaking achievements . Born and raised in Kuala Lumpur , he began his medical career at the International Medical University before pursuing further studies at Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia , USA .

He later completed his residency in General Surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital and a fellowship in Complex General Surgical Oncology at Dana Farber Cancer Institute , Mass General Brigham . Joining the staff at Mayo Clinic Arizona as an Asst Prof , Dr Fong has emerged as a trailblazer in surgical oncology .

Working in close collaboration with a multidisciplinary team of physicians , he devises

comprehensive treatment plans tailored to the individual needs of patients with gastric and hepatopancreatic biliary tumours . His expertise extends to integrating minimally invasive techniques , including laparoscopic and robotic approaches , in managing complex malignancies .

BENEFITS OF ROBOTIC SURGERY

The Whipple procedure , a complex surgery aimed at addressing tumours and ailments affecting the pancreas , small intestine , and bile ducts , is notorious for its invasiveness and challenging recovery process . Traditionally , surgeons navigate through a labyrinth of abdominal organs to access the pancreas , often resulting in prolonged hospital stays and post-operative complications .

However , Dr Fong ’ s innovative approach harnesses the power of robotics to revolutionise this intricate procedure . Dr Fong and his team can perform the Whipple surgery with unprecedented precision and efficiency by utilising state-of-the-art robotic technology .

The surgeon operates a console , controlling a robotic arm with a joystick-like interface reminiscent of a video game to execute the

Dr Fong guides the robot ' s arms during a total robotic Whipple surgery .

delicate manoeuvres required for the surgery .

The benefits of robotic surgery are manifold . Not only does it enable smaller incisions and reduced invasiveness compared to traditional methods , but it also translates to shorter recovery times and decreased risk of complications such as hernias .

Patients undergoing robotic Whipple surgery experience improved post-operative outcomes , paving the way for a more streamlined and patient-centric approach to pancreatic cancer treatment .

As the leader of Mayo Clinic Arizona ’ s robotic pancreas surgery programme , Dr Fong continues to push the boundaries of innovation in surgical oncology . With the adoption of robotic technology on the rise , his legacy underscores the transformative impact of innovation in healthcare delivery , offering hope to countless patients battling pancreatic cancer and other complex diseases .