Kuala Lumpur: Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City: Sunway Medical Centre (SMC) has made history as the first medical facility in Malaysia and Southeast Asia to introduce the AiBLES Spine Surgical Suite, a cutting-edge robotic-guided technology designed to enhance precision, safety, and efficiency in spinal surgery.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, SMC has announced that the introduction of the AiBLES system addresses the growing prevalence of back pain and spinal disorders, which are among the most common health issues globally and in Malaysia. Citing data from the World Health Organisation (WHO), SMC reported that low back pain (LBP) affected 619 million people worldwide in 2020, with numbers projected to rise to 843 million by 2050.
The hospital stated that LBP is the leading cause of disability globally, particularly among individuals aged between 50 and 55, significantly affecting Malaysians. ‘Given the complexity of spinal surgery due to the spine’s three-dimensional anatomy and its proximity to critical neurovascular structures, the AiBLES Spine Surgical Suite integrates the Spine Robotic Guidance System, StealthStationS S8 Surgical Navigation System, and O-armS Imaging System,’ the statement read.
SMC highlighted that the integration of these technologies offers several patient benefits, including enhanced accuracy through real-time imaging and advanced guidance technology to ensure precise implant placement. The system enables quicker recovery through minimally invasive procedures with smaller incisions, reducing tissue damage and postoperative pain while lowering intraoperative and postoperative complications.
‘The AiBLES system is part of SMC’s commitment to bringing international levels of care to Malaysians. With the latest spine solution integration at SMC, surgeons can now plan the entire procedure in advance using a detailed 3D model of the patient’s spine, even before stepping into the operating room,’ the statement detailed. During surgery, the tools guide the surgeon in real-time, making the operation more precise, efficient, and confident, ultimately benefiting patients with improved outcomes.
SMC noted that the AiBLES Spine Surgical Suite, combined with the hospital’s advanced MRI and CT imaging systems, strengthens the capabilities of its Robotic Surgery and Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) Centre in diagnosing and treating complex spinal conditions. Besides spinal surgeries, SMC stated the AiBLES system can also support cranial, orthopaedic, ear, nose and throat (ENT), and trauma-related procedures, further enhancing its value as part of the hospital’s expanding portfolio of medical technologies.
SMC consultant spine surgeon Dr. Saw Lim Beng commented that the AiBLES Spine Surgical Suite sets a new benchmark in spinal surgery by enhancing precision and safety while minimising the risk of complications and undesirable outcomes. He explained that the system integrates advanced artificial intelligence (AI) software with real-time imaging, allowing meticulous surgical planning from identifying the optimal incision site and size to guiding the trajectory of instrumentation and decompression.
Sunway Healthcare Group president Datuk Lau Beng Long described the launch of the AiBLES Spine Surgical Suite as another milestone in SMC’s journey of medical innovation and leadership in healthcare. ‘As one of the pioneers in the healthcare industry, we have experienced substantial growth and expansion at SMC, encompassing various healthcare facilities nationwide since our establishment 25 years ago in 1999,’ he said. Lau noted that the installation of the AiBLES system marks another achievement for SMC, as it becomes the first hospital in Malaysia and Southeast Asia to offer this advanced surgical solution to patients.
As Malaysia’s largest private quaternary hospital, SMC currently operates with 810 licensed beds, offers more than 60 medical specialties, and houses 28 Centres of Excellence, positioning itself as a leader in the region’s healthcare landscape. With the upcoming completion of its sixth block, Tower F, in the third quarter of 2026, SMC is expected to expand its capacity to over 1,100 beds, further enhancing its ability to serve more patients.
SMC is also ranked among the top 250 hospitals globally in Newsweek’s World’s Best Hospitals 2024 and 2025, and holds the distinction of being the first private hospital in Malaysia to achieve three major hospital-wide accreditations, setting new benchmarks in patient care and clinical excellence.