28/07/2025

MONDAY | JULY 28, 2025

26

HEALTH

New hope against endometriosis

IN Malaysia, the overuse of antibiotics – especially for common symptoms such as sore throat – is particularly concerning. A recent study found that only 2.8% of sore throat cases in public primary care clinics are caused by Group A Streptococcus, the only common bacterial cause warranting antibiotics, yet 22.3% of these patients still receive antibiotics, with over 90% of these prescriptions deemed unnecessary. To counter this, a recent panel discussion hosted by Strepsils spotlighted the Malaysian Multidisciplinary Sore Throat Consensus, a newly launched set of clinical guidelines aimed at helping healthcare professionals make accurate diagnoses and reduce inappropriate antibiotic use. The framework promotes evidence-based sore throat management with a strong focus on patient education and non-antibiotic treatment options. Although most sore throat cases are caused by viruses and do not require antibiotics, many Malaysians still demand or expect them – fuelling the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This misuse is not just ACCORDING to World Health Organisation, one in 10 women in the world is diagnosed with endometriosis, a chronic disease associated with severe, life-impacting pain during periods, sexual intercourse, bowel movements and/or urination, chronic pelvic pain, abdominal bloating, nausea, fatigue and sometimes depression, anxiety and infertility. The introduction of robotic-assisted surgery marks a significant advancement in the treatment of endometriosis, providing precise and minimally invasive surgical solutions across diverse medical specialities, including those with endometriosis. Laparotomy vs robotic-assisted endometriosis surgery Traditional surgical interventions have been the go-to method for many surgeries. Although effective to a certain level, they do carry notable drawbacks, including prolonged recovery times and the surgery itself is quite complex. In traditional laparotomy (open surgery) for endometriosis, due to angle and vision limitation, surgeons usually have difficulty to complete excise endometriotic lesions. About 90% of endometriotic lesions occur at the back of the uterus, which is challenging for surgeons to identify if performing conventional laparotomy. o Robotic-assisted surgeries changing medical landscape

challenging conditions such as endometriosis. Despite the learning curve, newer surgeons are being trained to adopt the use of robotics in surgeries, further instilling the expertise needed to operate these innovative solutions. Due to its precision and minimally invasive nature, robotic surgery may become the preferred choice for more complex treatments. Although there is rarely a misconception surrounding embracing robotic assisted surgery, its cost could potentially be higher compared to traditional methods. While the accessibility of robotic-assisted surgery is limited at the present moment, robotics will play a larger role in surgery in addition to taking on a supportive role as it has potential to provide more precise insertions, shortening operating time and mitigating potential complications. In some cases too, patients feel more reassured when robotics are involved in their procedure, especially for more complex ones. Ultimately, the decision to opt for robotic or traditional surgery will be made collaboratively between the patient and doctor, considering all available options and individual circumstances. With more adoption of innovative technologies within surgical procedures, healthcare professionals can be better equipped to undertake and manage more complicated cases, providing care for more patients long-term. This article is contributed by Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City obstetrician, gynaecologist and fertility specialist Dr Thow Sun Ta.

Endometriosis can present as chronic pelvic pain, abdominal bloating or nausea. – FREEPIKPIC

robotic-assisted surgery is a meticulous process. While any patient may be considered, its suitability for robotic surgery applies to cases of endometriosis that conventionally necessitate open surgery, such as deep infiltrating endometriosis, a severe form of endometriosis that involves deep growth of endometrial-like tissue into pelvic structures, causing severe pain and other complications or large benign tumours, non-cancerous growths that can occur in various body parts, potentially causing symptoms due to their size and location. Future of robotic-assisted surgery Looking ahead, a surge in robotic surgeries across Malaysia is expected, particularly for

enables patients to get back to their normal lifestyle sooner. Many patients are plagued by severe dysmenorrhea due to endometriosis. However, after robotic-assisted surgery, almost all experienced complete symptom relief. One of the most compelling advantages of robotic-assisted surgery is its potential to preserve fertility. Endometriosis can severely impair reproductive organs, such as the fallopian tube function, diminish ovarian reserve, and create a hostile environment for fertilisation and implantation, but robotic surgery can treat the disease while preserving the function of these organs, thus improving fertility outcome. Determining candidacy for

harmful – it is helping to build a future where simple infections could once again become deadly. The panel discussion aimed to correct harmful misconceptions and push for informed, life-saving choices. As part of responsible throat care, the panel highlighted the role of symptom-targeted treatments that help reduce throat pain, swelling and difficulty swallowing – offering effective relief for viral sore throats without contributing to resistance. Prof Dr Baharudin Abdullah, one of the authors of the Sore Throat Consensus, noted: “Clinical guidelines such as the Malaysian Multidisciplinary Sore Throat Consensus are designed to support better diagnostic decisions. When used correctly, they help reduce reliance on antibiotics for viral infections, which do not benefit from them. Our data shows a persistent gap between what is medically appropriate and what is being prescribed. Closing that gap is essential.” In line with promoting responsible sore throat management, the consensus also provides healthcare professionals with clear, However, robotic-assisted surgery offers enhanced visual support (such as multiple-angle, higher quality vision) allowing surgeons to better identify lesions that may be hidden from direct sight and go unnoticed. Consequently, robotic surgeries emerge as viable options for minimally invasive procedures, particularly for addressing more complex and challenging cases of endometriosis. Overall, they offer more hope for improved outcomes and enhanced quality of life for women battling the condition. Furthermore, a shorter recovery period, reduced complications and minimal scarring with less pain and blood loss make robotic-assisted surgery an appealing treatment option for endometriosis patients, especially in cases involving complex and hidden lesions. It also

Antibiotics overuse for sore throat risks health crisis

E-HEALTH SERVICES FOR RURAL AREAS The Communications Ministry, through the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), is collaborating with the Health Ministry (MOH) to provide e-health services at National Information Dissemination Centres, particularly at over 700 centres located in rural areas nationwide. Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said MCMC and MOH are exploring several digital health initiatives, including telehealth services and the use of drone technology to deliver A new formulation of biologic therapy, Entyvio (vedolizumab) Subcutaneous (SC), is now available in Malaysia for individuals with inflammatory bowel disease. Entyvio SC is indicated for adults with moderately-to-severely active Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, and is available as a single-dose prefilled pen offering patients a more flexible and convenient option for maintenance therapy. medication. – Bernama MEDICATION FOR BOWEL DISEASE

BR I E F S

Baharudin presents the Sore Throat Consensus, developed to guide healthcare professionals in making evidence-based decisions.

contributes to the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). “Public awareness and professional guidelines are our best tools in this fight. We need to move away from a ‘pill for every ill’ mindset. Studies have shown that this approach can significantly reduce unnecessary antibiotic use, which is a critical step in combating AMR,” said Manipal Alumni Association Malaysia president Dr Koh Kar Chai.

evidence-based guidance on when antibiotics are necessary – and when they are not. The guidelines highlight the value of accurate diagnosis, patient education and symptom-targeted care, reinforcing the importance of accessible solutions that help manage viral sore throats without relying on antibiotics. The panel sounded a critical warning on the rampant misuse of antibiotics in Malaysia, which