Malaysian Patient Completes Robotic Prostate Cancer Surgery in Taiwan Within 3 Weeks
Elevated PSA Leads to Diagnosis of Stage II Prostate Cancer
A 59-year-old man from Malaysia discovered during a routine health check that his prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level had risen to 18.5. After additional evaluation and follow-up, including MRI imaging and prostate biopsy, he was diagnosed with stage II prostate cancer.
Because early-stage prostate cancer often causes few noticeable symptoms, many patients are diagnosed only after abnormal PSA results are found during routine screening. Following the diagnosis, he began actively exploring treatment options that could provide both effective cancer control and a good postoperative quality of life.
Choosing Taiwan for Advanced Robotic Surgery
After discussions with his family and medical professionals, he decided to pursue robot-assisted minimally invasive prostate surgery.
Through a physician friend’s recommendation, he contacted the International Medical Service Center of Tungs’ Taichung MetroHarbor Hospital and arranged an online consultation with Prof. Yen-Chuan Ou, an experienced urologist and specialist in robotic urologic surgery.
During the teleconsultation, the medical team carefully reviewed his MRI scans, biopsy reports, and laboratory data. A personalized treatment plan was then provided, including:
- Detailed evaluation of his condition
- Surgical recommendations
- Recovery expectations and treatment timeline
The clear communication and coordinated planning helped him make his treatment decision with confidence.
Treatment Completed Within Three Weeks
After the initial consultation, the patient traveled to Taiwan for further assessment and surgery.
Following comprehensive evaluation, Prof. Ou and his team performed a robot-assisted radical prostatectomy with bilateral pelvic lymph node dissection using the da Vinci robotic surgical system.
Compared with conventional open surgery, robotic-assisted minimally invasive surgery offers several potential advantages, including:
- Smaller incisions
- Reduced blood loss
- Greater surgical precision
- Faster postoperative recovery
The patient was able to get out of bed the day after surgery and walk independently on the second postoperative day. His recovery progressed smoothly, and the entire process—from consultation to surgery and postoperative recovery—was completed within approximately three weeks.
Coordinated International Medical Service
The patient shared that one of the most reassuring parts of the experience was the structured and well-coordinated care process.
Throughout his stay in Taiwan, the International Medical Service Center assisted with:
- Appointment and surgical scheduling
- Transportation coordination
- Insurance-related documentation
- Hospital navigation and inpatient arrangements
- Support for accompanying family members
This allowed him and his family to focus fully on treatment and recovery without additional stress.
Early Detection Is Critical in Prostate Cancer
Prof. Ou emphasized that prostate cancer is highly treatable when detected early, yet many patients remain unaware because symptoms are often minimal in the early stages. Clinical studies have shown that: Early-stage prostate cancer has a 10-year survival rate exceeding 90%
He recommends that men aged 50 and older consider regular PSA screening as part of routine health examinations, as early detection and timely treatment can significantly improve outcomes.
Why International Patients Choose Taiwan for Medical Care
Many international patients choose Taiwan for medical treatment because of its combination of:
- Advanced medical technology
- Experienced specialists
- Efficient treatment coordination
- Comprehensive international medical services
At Tungs’ Taichung MetroHarbor Hospital, FORMOSA TUNGS+ International Medical Service (IMedS) provides support for overseas patients through:
- Online consultations
- Personalized treatment planning
- International patient coordination
- Post-treatment follow-up support
Through integrated medical services and patient-centered care, international patients can receive advanced treatment in Taiwan with confidence and continuity.
Bringing Medical Care Closer Across Borders
For this Malaysian patient, traveling to Taiwan was not only about undergoing surgery—it was also about regaining confidence, clarity, and peace of mind during a difficult time.
With telemedicine, coordinated international care, and advanced robotic surgical technology, high-quality medical treatment can now be more accessible to patients across borders.
