Malaysian Surgeon Insights with Dr Suhail Suresh – Robotic Knee Replacement

Considering a robotic-assisted knee replacement in Malaysia? In this interview, Prof. Dr. Suhail Suresh—orthopedic and arthroplasty (joint replacement) surgeon at Sunway Medical Centre and professor at Sunway University—explains how robotics improves precision, speeds recovery, and what Indonesian patients can expect from consultation through rehabilitation.

Dr Suhail Surech with Robot
Dr Suhail Suresh with robot

Why Robotic Knee Replacement?

Robotic assistance helps surgeons plan highly precise bone cuts, align implants accurately, and personalize sizing based on live mapping of your knee anatomy.
Compared with older conventional tools, this approach can translate to smaller incisionsless pain, and faster functional recovery. While “robotic surgery” can sound fully automated, Prof. Suresh stresses that it’s robotic-assisted—the surgeon remains in full control throughout the procedure.

To understand the technology background, you can read more about robotic-arm systems such as Rosa, and review general knee replacement guidance from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) and the UK National Health Service (NHS).

Who Is a Candidate?

Candidates usually have painful, degenerative knee arthritis that no longer responds to conservative care. According to Prof. Suresh, modern robotic workflows support a wide range of deformities—he reports successfully using robotics across 100% of cases in his practice, including significantly bowed or angulated knees. The key is a careful clinical assessment to confirm you’re ready for surgery and that benefits clearly outweigh risks.

What the Implant Is Made Of

Typical knee replacement constructs include metal components (often titanium and cobalt-chromium alloys) with a highly cross-linked polyethylene insert. With proper alignment, activity modification, and follow-up, contemporary implants can last decades. For foundational, non-branded reading on implant materials and survivorship, see the AAOS and NHS resources linked above.

Travel Plan: Jakarta to Kuala Lumpur

Pre-Trip & Hospital Stay

Prof. Suresh outlines a streamlined itinerary for Indonesian patients: pre-op labs and medical summary done at home, fly in one day before surgery, complete hospital checks, then surgery the next day. Patients usually stand and walk (with a frame) the day after surgery, stay in hospital 2–3 nights, and then remain in Kuala Lumpur for a few more days before flying home. Total time on the ground is typically 7–10 days.

Because of flight-related clot risks, patients use blood thinners and compression stockings during the early post-op period. For general education on clot prevention, see the WHO overview of venous thromboembolism.

Dr Suhail Suresh
Dr Suhail Suresh

Ward physiotherapy starts the day after surgery—sit-to-stand, short ambulation, range-of-motion drills. Many patients transition off walkers around two weeks, much earlier than in conventional pathways, and continue outpatient physio 1–2× per week for about six weeks (adjusted to progress). High-impact activities (running, jumping, contact sports) are discouraged to protect implant longevity; low-impact options like swimming, cycling, golf, light racquet games, and hiking are typically allowed with guidance.

If you’re based in Jakarta, you can coordinate cross-border care: begin rehab in Malaysia, then continue at Physioactive Indonesia with a surgeon summary and individualized program.

Your Next Steps

If knee pain is limiting your life, get a structured assessment. A good workflow: initial evaluation, imaging review, comprehensive education, and—if indicated—planning for robotic-assisted replacement. To prepare, learn the basics of knee replacement recovery timelines, and speak with your physiotherapist about prehab to boost post-op outcomes.

Helpful Local Resources

Contact & Appointments

For more information or to book an appointment with Dr. Suhail Suresh, please contact our International Patient Centre (IPC) or Sunway Orthopaedic Centre:

Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City, Kuala Lumpur

5, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia

International Patient Centre (IPC)
Email: smc.ipc@sunway.com.my  
WhatsApp: +6019 – 200 9191
Website: www.sunwaymedicalinternational.com

Sunway Orthopaedic Centre
WhatsApp: +6012 – 271 1786
Website: www.sunwayorthopaedic.com

Physioactive Indonesia

Website: www.physioactive.id
Booking: Click here.

Related Articles