Bumrungrad International Hospital
Bumrungrad Hospital
Issue: September 2026
Robotic Surgery at Bumrungrad: Precision with a Human Touch
Robotic Gynecologic Surgery: Greater Control, Gentler Care
A Personalized Approach to Women’s Health: Khun Sabaipair’s Journey with Robotic-Assisted Surgery at Bumrungrad
Robotic Precision for Lung and Chest Surgery
Leading with Purpose and Humanity: Khun Narawadee Bualert, CEO of Lebua Hotels & Resorts
Robotic Surgery for General and Liver Conditions: A Minimally Invasive Approach
Stronger Together: Mr. Marco Rudin, Executive Director of the Swiss-Thai Chamber of Commerce, on Leadership and Well-Being
A New Path to Heart Surgery: Robotic-Assisted MIDCAB and Valve Surgery
Transforming Urological Surgery with the da Vinci Xi Robot
Beyond the Incision: Robotic Heart and Thoracic Surgery with Asst. Prof. Dr. Boonlawat Homvises
Robotic Surgery Myths vs Facts: Who Is Really in Control?
Inside Robotic Urologic Surgery with Dr. Teerapon Amornvesukit
A Robotic Surgery Pioneer Who Shaped the Future: Clinical Prof. Dr. Anusak
Bumrungrad Robotic Surgery Center: A Decade of Innovation, Driven by a Pioneering Vision
Bumrungrad Phuket Participates in Phuket Health Expo 2026 Bumrungrad Promotes Preventive Healthcare at Gulf Development Doctor Talk Session
Yiengpruksawan’s Legacy at Bumrungrad
Bumrungrad Hosts “Ready for Every Move, Naturally” Press Conference, Elevating Its Sports Medicine & Joint Center
The Surgeon Behind the Robotic Console
A Robotic Surgery Pioneer Who Shaped the Future: Clinical Prof. Dr. Anusak Yiengpruksawan’s Legacy at Bumrungrad His first robotic patient was 92 years old. From that successful gallbladder operation, Dr. Anusak went on to perform increasingly complex procedures involving the pancreas, stomach, spleen, adrenal glands, and other organs, helping expand the boundaries of robotic surgery. In 2017, Bumrungrad International Hospital was honored to welcome him as Director of the Bumrungrad Robotic Surgery Center. He brought with him not only exceptional experience, but also a generous vision. He believed robotic surgery should continue to grow across specialties, that surgeons should be properly trained, and that patients deserved clear, evidence-based guidance about whether this approach was right for them. For Dr. Anusak , technology was never the heart of surgery. The surgeon’s knowledge, judgment, experience, and compassion always came first.
Some careers leave behind achievements. Others leave behind a direction for the future. Clinical Prof. Dr. Anusak Yiengpruksawan belonged to the latter . An internationally respected surgical oncologist and pioneer in robotic surgery, he dedicated his life to advancing cancer care, minimally invasive surgery, and the possibilities of surgical technology. In the United States, Dr. Anusak served at The Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, New Jersey, as Director of the Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery Center and Director of the Surgical Oncology Service. His distinguished career also included advanced training in surgical oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York. His journey with robotic surgery began around 2000. Although initially skeptical, his perspective changed the moment he sat at the surgeon console. The three-dimensional view, precision, and natural range of movement immediately revealed what the technology could make possible.
Clinical Prof. Dr. Anusak passed away in 2023, but his influence continues.
Bumrungrad is proud and grateful that such a remarkable surgeon became part of its story. His legacy lives on in the expertise, innovation, and patient-centered spirit that continue to guide the Bumrungrad Robotic Surgery Center today.
Interview with Clinical Prof. Dr. Anusak Yiengpruksawan
Bumrungrad Robotic Surgery Center: A Decade of Innovation, Driven by a Pioneering Vision Bumrungrad International Hospital began its robotic surgery journey in 2016 , initially using robot-assisted surgery for prostate cancer. The program entered an important period of development under Clinical Prof. Dr. Anusak Yiengpruksawan , who was named Director of the Bumrungrad Robotic Surgery Center in 2017.
A pioneer in minimally invasive and robotic surgery, Dr. Anusak brought decades of international surgical experience to Bumrungrad and helped expand robotic surgery beyond urology into a broader range of specialties.
Robotic Surgery Across Specialties
Today, the Bumrungrad Robotic Surgery Center provides robotic-assisted surgery across an increasingly comprehensive range of specialties:
The Technology: da Vinci Xi
Urology: prostate, kidney, bladder, and complex urinary tract surgery
At the heart of the Center is the da Vinci Xi robotic surgical system , an advanced platform designed to support complex minimally invasive procedures. The surgeon remains in complete control throughout the operation. The system provides:
Cardiac surgery: including robotic- assisted MIDCAB, valve surgery, surgery for selected cases of adult congenital heart disease, and heart tumor surgery ENT and head & neck surgery: selected benign and malignant conditions Thoracic surgery: including lung cancer, thymic disease, mediastinal tumors, and selected esophageal conditions Gynecologic and gynecologic oncology surgery: including uterine cancer, selected cervical and ovarian tumors, fibroids, and complex endometriosis Liver, pancreatic, and biliary surgery: including selected tumors and cancers Colorectal surgery: including colon and rectal cancer, diverticular disease, and reconstruction General surgery: selected gallbladder, hernia, and abdominal procedures
Magnified, high-definition 3D visualization
Wristed robotic instruments with exceptional flexibility
Tremor filtration and highly precise instrument control
Greater access to narrow or difficult anatomical areas
Small incisions for many procedures
Potential for less blood loss, reduced surgical trauma, and faster recovery in appropriately selected patients
By bringing multiple specialties together within one robotic surgery program, Bumrungrad combines advanced technology with experienced surgical teams, multidisciplinary planning, and careful patient selection. The aim is to make complex surgery more precise, less invasive, and better suited to each patient’s needs.
Bumrungrad Robotic Surgery Center
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Bumrungrad Newsletter
Bumrungrad Hosts “ Ready for Every Move, Naturally” Press Conference, Elevating Its Sports Medicine & Joint Center
Bumrungrad International Hospital has elevated its Sports Medicine & Joint Center under the concept “Ready for Every Move, Naturally” , responding to the rapid growth of active lifestyles across Thailand and the Asia-Pacific region. The initiative was introduced at a press conference held on July 20, 2026, led by Artirat Charukitpipat, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer, and Assoc. Prof. Taveesin Tanprayoon, M.D. , Chief Medical Officer. They were joined by specialists in sports medicine, orthopedics, cardiology, and preventive wellness, including Wichan Kanchanatawan, M.D., Pratya Jaratjitwilai, M.D., Wisit Chanprasertpinyo, M.D., Suwanna Suwannaphong, M.D., and Chayot Chanmanon, M.D. Exercise has become an important part of everyday life for people of all ages. Running, tennis, weight training, and high-intensity competitions such as HYROX continue to attract growing interest. However, more demanding activities can also increase the risk of injury, particularly without appropriate preparation, movement assessment, and recovery planning. Bumrungrad’s comprehensive approach follows the principle “Move Better, Play Stronger, Live Fuller”. The care pathway includes readiness and risk assessment, injury prevention, accurate diagnosis, treatment of underlying causes, joint preservation, rehabilitation, and safe preparation for Return to Play. The goal is not simply to treat pain or repair an injury. Bumrungrad aims to help each person return to sport, exercise, and daily life with greater confidence, improved movement, and a reduced risk of recurring problems. A key strength of the center is its integrated multidisciplinary model. Care may include assessment of bone, joint, and muscle health, together with movement and physical performance evaluations through Performance Screening and the Functional Movement Screen. Cardiovascular readiness and cardiopulmonary fitness can also be assessed, while VitalLife Scientific Wellness Center supports deeper evaluation involving nutrition, nutrient status, and hormonal balance. By bringing these specialties together, Bumrungrad can develop personalized care plans for recreational exercisers, active adults, and competitive athletes. This holistic approach supports injury prevention, recovery, and long-term performance, helping each individual move more naturally, play more confidently, and live more fully.
2 Issue: September 2026
Bumrungrad Phuket Participates in Phuket Health Expo 2026, Reinforcing a Seamless Healthcare Network for Phuket and the Andaman Region Bumrungrad International Hospital Phuket and VitalLife Scientific Wellness Center Phuket participated in Phuket Health Expo 2026 under the concept “One Bumrungrad Network, Seamless Care for Phuket and the Andaman”. Held from July 1 to 5, 2026, at Central Phuket, the event reflected their shared vision of creating a seamless healthcare network for Phuket and the Andaman region. Inspired by Phuket’s Sino-Colonial architecture, the booth showcased innovative health technologies, including VR-based brain function assessments and AI-powered screenings covering cardiovascular health, strength, mobility, balance, mind, and body composition. Visitors also received special offers on selected screening programs. Wanviput Sanphasitvong, M.D., a Preventive Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine specialist, CEO of LifestyleTech Solutions, and Business Development Director of VitalLife Scientific Wellness Center, presented “The Future of Medicine and Lifestyle Transformation: Towards a Longer, Healthier Life,” sharing insights into preventive care, health technology, and medical innovation. Scheduled to open in the third quarter of 2027, Bumrungrad Phuket will connect with Bumrungrad Bangkok, providing seamless access to wellness, diagnostics, treatment, referrals for complex medical conditions, and international-standard healthcare across the region.
Bumrungrad Promotes Preventive Healthcare at Gulf Development Doctor Talk Session Bumrungrad International Hospital partnered with Gulf Development to host a Doctor Talk Session titled “ Longevity: Know Early, Prevent Early ”, reinforcing their shared commitment to preventive healthcare and long-term wellness. The session encouraged participants to take a proactive approach to health, emphasizing that early detection and prevention can support a longer, healthier life. Attendees learned how regular health screenings, healthy lifestyle choices, and timely medical interventions may reduce chronic disease risks and improve quality of life. Key topics included personalized health assessments, nutrition, physical activity, stress management, sleep quality, preventive medicine, and sustainable habits that support healthy aging. Participants also gained practical guidance on identifying health risks early and applying healthier choices in everyday life. Approximately 30 participants attended on-site, while 50 joined online. Both audiences actively engaged with the speaker through questions and interactive discussion. Through educational initiatives such as this session, Bumrungrad continues to help organizations foster healthier workplaces. The message “Know Early, Prevent Early” highlighted that longevity means not only living longer, but also living with greater health, vitality, and quality of life.
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Bumrungrad Newsletter
Inside Robotic Urologic Surgery with Dr. Teerapon Amornvesukit Teerapon Amornvesukit, M.D., is a urologist at Bumrungrad International Hospital specializing in robotic and laparoscopic urologic surgery, endosurgery, laser prostatectomy and urologic oncology. Board-certified in surgery and urological surgery, he has extensive experience treating complex conditions of the urinary system. In this interview, Dr. Teerapon explains how robotic technology supports surgeons working in delicate anatomical areas, particularly during prostate and kidney surgery, while offering a minimally invasive option for suitable patients.
Q
Why is robotic surgery particularly useful in urology?
Q
What are the benefits in prostate cancer surgery?
Many urologic organs, including the prostate, kidneys and bladder, are located close to important blood vessels, nerves and other structures. Robotic systems provide a magnified 3D view and wristed instruments that can move with a high degree of flexibility. This can help surgeons perform careful dissection and suturing through small incisions. Importantly, the robot does not operate independently. Every movement is controlled by the surgeon from the console.
During robotic radical prostatectomy, the surgeon removes the prostate while working close to structures involved in urinary control and sexual function. The magnified view and flexible instruments can assist with delicate dissection deep within the pelvis. Compared with open surgery, suitable patients may experience smaller incisions, less blood loss, less postoperative discomfort and a faster early recovery.
Q Q Which urologic conditions can be treated with robotic surgery?
How can robotic surgery help during kidney surgery?
Robotic surgery may be considered for selected patients with prostate cancer, kidney tumors and certain bladder conditions. It can also be used for some reconstructive procedures within the urinary tract. Whether robotic surgery is appropriate depends on the diagnosis, stage of disease, anatomy, previous operations and overall health.
For selected kidney tumors, robotic partial nephrectomy may allow the surgeon to remove the tumor while preserving as much healthy kidney tissue as possible. Enhanced visualization can help with tumor removal, control of blood vessels and reconstruction of the kidney. Robotic assistance may be especially useful when tumors are in challenging locations. The best surgical approach, however, is always chosen individually after specialist assessment.
Teerapon Amornvesukit, M.D., Bumrungrad International Hospital
4 Issue: September 2026
Beyond the Incision: Robotic Heart and Thoracic Surgery with
Asst. Prof. Dr. Boonlawat Homvises Asst. Prof. Boonlawat Homvises, M.D., is a cardiothoracic surgeon specializing in minimally invasive cardiac surgery, thoracic surgery, heart and lung transplantation, ECMO, and mechanical circulatory support. His international experience includes a clinical fellowship at Papworth Hospital in Cambridge, UK, specialized training in the da Vinci Xi surgical system and robotic thoracic procedures in Singapore, and intensive training in cardiac surgery in Chicago, USA. At Bumrungrad International Hospital, he led the team performing Thailand’s first robotic-assisted MIDCAB procedure at a private hospital.
Q
Q
What does this mean for patients undergoing MIDCAB?
How does the da Vinci Xi change heart bypass surgery?
The key difference is that we usually do not need to divide the breastbone. The procedure uses small ports and a limited incision between the ribs. In selected patients, surgery can be performed while the heart continues beating, often without a heart-lung machine. This may mean less surgical trauma, less postoperative discomfort, earlier mobility and faster recovery.
In robotic-assisted MIDCAB, the da Vinci X i allows us to work inside the chest through small ports with a magnified 3D view and highly flexible instruments. We can carefully prepare the left internal mammary artery, or LIMA, and connect it to the left anterior descending artery, or LAD, to restore blood flow. The system supports precise, controlled movement around delicate cardiac structures.
Q
Which thoracic conditions may benefit from robotic surgery? Robotic-assisted surgery may be considered for selected patients with lung cancer, thymoma, mediastinal tumors, esophageal disease and certain pleural conditions. Depending on the procedure, potential benefits can include smaller incisions, less chest-wall disruption, reduced postoperative discomfort and faster recovery. The best approach depends on the disease, its location and complexity, previous surgery and the patient’s overall health.
Q
Why is robotic technology useful in thoracic surgery?
Thoracic surgery often requires surgeons to work around the lungs, blood vessels, nerves and other important structures within a confined space. The da Vinci Xi provides enhanced visualization and wrist-like instrument movement, helping surgeons perform delicate dissection and suturing with greater control while minimizing disruption to surrounding tissue.
Asst. Prof. Boonlawat Homvises, M.D., Bumrungrad International Hospital
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Bumrungrad Newsletter
Who Is Really in Control? Robotic surgery may sound futuristic, but the reality is simple: Robotic Surgery Myths vs Facts:
the robot does not replace the surgeon. It is a sophisticated tool that helps specially trained surgeons perform selected minimally invasive procedures with enhanced visualization, dexterity, and control.
Myth 3
With the da Vinci Xi, the surgeon controls the robotic instruments from a console in real time. The system does not make independent decisions. Instead, it provides a magnified 3D view and wristed instruments with a wide range of motion, helping the surgeon work with greater control in confined and delicate areas. Myth 1 The robot performs the surgery by itself Fact: The surgeon controls every movement.
Myth 2
Robotic surgery is mainly about smaller scars
The surgeon is far away from the patient
The surgeon works from a nearby console, while nurses, anesthesiologists, and surgical assistants remain beside the patient throughout the procedure. Fact: The surgeon and surgical team remain in the operating room.
For appropriately selected patients, robotic-assisted surgery may offer: Fact: Small incisions are only one benefit.
Less tissue disruption Less blood loss and postoperative pain Smaller scars Shorter hospital stays Faster return to daily activities
Myth 4
Myth 5
Any surgeon can perform robotic surgery
Robotic surgery has no risks
Myth 6
Risks may include bleeding, infection, anesthesia-related complications, or complications related to the procedure itself. Fact: It is still surgery. Faster recovery means the operation is minor Myth 7 Fact: Minimally invasive does not mean insignificant. Recovery still depends on the type of surgery, overall health, and individual treatment plan.
Surgeons require specific robotic training in addition to expertise in their own surgical specialty. The technology supports the surgeon, but judgment and decision-making remain entirely human. Fact: Specialized training and experience are essential.
Technology matters more than the surgeon
The da Vinci Xi can enhance vision, stability, and instrument control, but it cannot replace surgical knowledge or experience. Fact: Human expertise remains central.
So, who is behind the console?
6 Issue: September 2026
The Surgeon Behind the Robotic Console At the da Vinci Xi console , the surgeon combines surgical expertise with advanced technology, guiding the instruments while viewing the procedure through a magnified, high-definition 3D display.
What Happens at the Robotic Console? During surgery, the surgeon sits at a console in the operating room, usually just a few feet from the patient. From there, the surgeon:
Specialized Training for Robotic Surgery
Robotic surgery requires specialized training beyond a surgeon’s expertise in their own field. Surgeons learn to operate the console and robotic instruments, coordinate the robotic arms, interpret the magnified 3D view, plan surgical access, adapt established techniques to the robotic platform, and respond safely and effectively to unexpected clinical situations.
Views the surgical area through a magnified, high-definition 3D display.
Uses hand controls to direct the robotic instruments.
Remains responsible for every movement and surgical decision throughout the procedure. Uses wristed instruments that can bend and rotate with a wide range of motion. Uses foot pedals to manage functions such as the camera and other surgical tools. Moves their hands naturally while the system translates those move- ments into precise instrument movements inside the patient.
A Team Working as One The surgeon at the console never works alone. The team includes:
Surgical assistants and nurses, who work beside the patient, assist with instruments, and support the procedure.
Anesthesiologists, who continuously monitor and manage the patient throughout surgery.
The system can also scale larger hand movements into smaller, controlled movements and filter natural hand tremor. Importantly, the robot does not move independently, make decisions, or perform the surgery by itself. At Bumrungrad Robotic Surgery Center, robotic surgery is not simply about advanced technology. It is a coordinated effort combining specialized training, surgical experience, teamwork, and clinical judgment.
Together, these professionals combine expertise, patient care, and technical support for safe, effec- tive procedures. Behind the clinical team, biomedical engineers and technical specialists help ensure the da Vinci Xi system is properly checked, maintained, and ready for use.
Bumrungrad Robotic Surgery Center
The da Vinci Xi provides the tools. The people behind it provide the expertise that makes every procedure possible.
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Bumrungrad Newsletter
A New Path to Heart Surgery: Robotic-Assisted MIDCAB and Valve Surgery For selected patients with coronary artery disease, heart bypass surgery may no longer require opening the breastbone. Robotic-assisted minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass, or robotic-assisted MIDCAB, uses small chest incisions to restore blood flow to the heart while reducing the surgical access required. Bumrungrad International Hospital performed the first robotic-assisted MIDCAB procedure at a private hospital in Thailand, led by Asst. Prof. Boonlawat Homvises, M.D., a cardiothoracic surgeon with expertise in minimally invasive cardiac surgery.
How Does Robotic-Assisted MIDCAB Work? Robotic-assisted MIDCAB is most commonly considered when the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) is significantly narrowed or blocked. The surgeon uses robotic-assisted instruments to prepare the left internal mammary artery (LIMA). Through a small incision between the ribs, the LIMA is connected to the LAD beyond the blockage, creating a new pathway for blood flow. The robot does not operate independently. Every movement is controlled by the surgeon from a specialized console, supported by magnified three-dimensional visualization and highly flexible instruments.
Potential Benefits Compared with Open-Heart Surgery For appropriately selected patients, robotic-assisted MIDCAB may offer:
Small ports and a 4-6 cm incision between the ribs No need to divide the breastbone, reducing risks related to breastbone healing Less surgical trauma and potentially less blood loss Usually no need for a heart-lung machine Less discomfort during early recovery Potentially shorter hospital stay Faster recovery and return to daily activities
MIDCAB Surgery
Beyond Bypass: Minimally Invasive Valve Surgery
Minimally invasive techniques are also expanding options for heart valve surgery. For selected patients, surgeons may repair or replace a heart valve through smaller chest incisions instead of a traditional open-heart approach. In some cases, catheter-based procedures may offer another option without opening the chest. The most suitable treatment depends on the affected valve, the severity of disease, overall health, anatomy, and the individual patient’s surgical risk and treatment goals.
Heart Bypass Sugery
At Bumrungrad, multidisciplinary cardiac teams evaluate coronary artery and heart valve disease to determine whether robotic-assisted, conventional surgery, catheter-based treatment, or another approach is most appropriate for each patient.
Bumrungrad Robotic Surgery Center
8 Issue: September 2026
Robotic Precision for Lung and Chest Surgery Thoracic surgery involves some of the body’s most delicate anatomy. The lungs, thymus, esophagus, mediastinum, pleura, chest wall, heart, major blood vessels, and nerves are positioned closely together. Robotic-assisted surgery can give surgeons enhanced visualization and precise instrument control when operating within these confined spaces. Thoracic Conditions Treated with Robotic Surgery Depending on the diagnosis and the individual patient, robotic-assisted thoracic surgery may be used for: Lung cancer: Procedures may include lobectomy, removing an entire lung lobe; segmentectomy, removing an anatomical segment; or wedge resection, removing a smaller section containing the tumor. Robotic assistance also supports precise lymph node dissection, which is important for cancer staging and treatment planning. Thymoma and myasthenia gravis: Robotic thymectomy allows surgeons to remove the thymus through small incisions while working in the narrow space between the lungs, close to the heart and major blood vessels.
Potential Benefits in Thoracic Surgery For appropriately selected patients, robotic-assisted thoracic surgery may offer:
Smaller incisions with no rib spreading
Esophageal diseases: Enhanced 3D visualization and precise instrument movement can assist with technically complex surgery for selected esophageal cancers and benign conditions.
Magnified 3D visualization of delicate chest structures
Greater instrument flexibility in narrow spaces Precise dissection around blood vessels, nerves, and airways
Mediastinal tumors and cysts: Robotic instruments can provide precise access to tumors located near critical structures within the chest.
Enhanced precision during lymph node dissection
Less surgical trauma and postoperative discomfort
Chest wall and pleural conditions: Selected chest wall tumors, pleural lesions, and recurrent pneumothorax may also be treated using a robotic-assisted approach.
Potentially shorter hospital stays and faster recovery than traditional open surgery
At Bumrungrad Robotic Surgery Center, the da Vinci Xi robotic-assisted system is used by experienced surgical teams to perform selected complex thoracic procedures. The surgeon remains in complete control throughout the operation, combining advanced robotic technology with individualized treatment planning. Whether robotic surgery is appropriate depends on the condition, its location and stage, previous treatment, and the patient’s overall health.
Bumrungrad Robotic Surgery Center
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Bumrungrad Newsletter
In high-pressure environments, how do you sustain clarity and resilience? For me, maintaining mental and physical health is essential. I play tennis weekly and work out two or three times a week. These activities clear my mind, keep me present, and provide an important reset. Everyone should find something that brings joy and creates distance from professional or personal pressure, whether it is sport, reading, music, or films.
What emerging health and wellness trends do you believe will redefine corporate performance? Longevity is reshaping corporate performance from two perspectives. Individually, people are increasingly prioritizing healthier lifestyles, supported by greater access to reliable information from hospitals such as Bumrungrad International. Organizationally, healthy employees are essential to sustained performance. Companies must motivate people to excel while creating an environment that supports physical and mental well-being. Competitive compensation alone will no longer be enough. A complete package, including meaningful wellness initiatives, will become critical to attracting talent and achieving long-term success. Mr. Marco Rudin, Executive Director of the Swiss-Thai Chamber of Commerce, on Leadership and Well-Being Stronger Together:
What experience most transformed your approach to leading people?
At 20, I served as a sergeant in the Swiss Army, leading five soldiers. Military service is mandatory in Switzerland, so enthusiasm was naturally limited. That experience taught me to motivate people in different ways, beyond traditional incentives such as salary, flexible working hours, or paternity leave. It showed me that leadership requires understanding what drives each individual.
What insight would you share with the next generation of global leaders? Leadership is not about hierarchical control. It is about enabling people to succeed together. Avoid creating divisions between leaders and employees, millennials and Gen Z, or different cultural mindsets. Effective leaders unite diverse generations, perspectives, and backgrounds around a shared goal. The strongest teams are built through trust, inclusion, and collaboration, not competition.
How does your organization embed well-being into its culture and long-term vision? The STCC is a small organization, so every employee plays a vital role. Well-being is essential for maintaining strong performance. We take a goal-oriented approach, giving employees the freedom to decide how they achieve their objectives. This autonomy allows them to work at their own pace, remain focused, and deliver excellent results without unnecessary, constant pressure.
The Swiss-Thai Chamber of Commerce
10 Issue: September 2026
How did your leadership journey begin? My journey was never a straight line. It was shaped by uncertainty, growth, and learning to trust my instincts. I immersed myself in every layer of the business. Leadership did not come from a title, but from stepping forward when situations were unclear, taking responsibility, and continuing when results were slow. I learned that leadership is not about being the loudest voice, but the steady one who brings people together. How has your view of leadership evolved? I once believed leaders needed all the answers. Today, I see leadership as creating space for ideas, growth, and others to shine. It is less about control and more about trust and listening. Leadership must be human, empathetic, and adaptable. What values and experiences guide you? Integrity, accountability, respect, excellence, and humility are essential. Leaders must own both success and failure while ensuring people feel valued. Brand transformation, digital disruption, and unexpected challenges taught me that strategy alone is never enough. Communication must be constant, clarity intentional, and trust earned. When people understand the “why” , they can move through the “how” . How do you lead during difficult times? People need reassurance, direction, and presence, not perfection. I make sure my team knows we are facing challenges together. I provide clarity, reconnect them with our purpose, and celebrate wins. Inspiration comes from consistency and belief. Leading with Purpose and Humanity: Khun Narawadee Bualert, Founder, President, and CEO of Lebua Hotels & Resorts
How are wellness trends shaping hospitality?
Wellness is becoming a foundation rather than a benefit. People increasingly value physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being, together with preventive care, balance, sustainability, and personalized lifestyles. Hospitality can create experiences that support how people want to feel, not only what they consume. How do you maintain well-being, and how does Lebua support employees? I focus on consistency rather than extremes. Mindful eating, reflection, and time to recharge help me stay grounded. At Lebua, we make well-being part of everyday working life by encouraging balance and supporting employees physically and mentally. When people feel well, they perform well and live well. What advice would you give future leaders? Stay curious, ask questions, and step into challenges before you feel ready. Accept discomfort as part of growth, surround yourself with people who challenge you, stay true to your values, and never stop learning. Above all, lead with purpose. Clear purpose strengthens direction, decisions, and impact.
Lebua Hotels & Resorts
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Bumrungrad Newsletter
Transforming Urological Surgery with the da Vinci Xi Robot Urological surgery often involves delicate structures in confined areas. The da Vinci Xi provides enhanced visualization and controlled instrument movement, helping surgeons perform complex procedures through small incisions while protecting surrounding tissues.
Urological Conditions Treated with Robotic Surgery
The da Vinci Xi may be used for selected patients with:
Kidney cancer or kidney tumors
Prostate cancer
Ureteropelvic junction obstruction
Benefits for Urological Surgery For appropriately selected patients, robotic-assisted urological surgery may offer:
Bladder cancer
Complex urinary tract conditions requiring reconstruction
Ureteral obstruction or injury
Smaller incisions and less surgical trauma Reduced blood loss during complex pelvic or kidney procedures Enhanced 3D visualization of nerves, blood vessels and urinary structures Greater precision when working in narrow spaces such as the pelvis Better preservation of healthy kidney tissue during partial nephrectomy Support for nerve-sparing techniques during prostate surgery Precise suturing and reconstruction of the ureter and urinary tract Less postoperative discomfort and potentially faster recovery
For prostate cancer , robotic radical prostatectomy allows the surgeon to remove the prostate with a magnified 3D view of the pelvis. When appropriate, this precision can support nerve-sparing techniques aimed at preserving urinary continence and erectile function. For kidney tumors , robotic partial nephrectomy can help remove the tumor while preserving as much healthy kidney tissue as possible. Precise dissection, suturing and control of blood vessels are especially important when kidney function needs to be protected. For bladder cancer, robotic radical cystectomy provides access to the deep pelvis, where careful dissection around surrounding organs and blood vessels is required. Robotic technology is also valuable in reconstructive urology. Pyeloplasty can correct a blockage where the kidney meets the ureter, while ureteral reimplantation can repair obstruction, injury or other abnormalities.
At Bumrungrad Robotic Surgery Center, experienced urologists use the da Vinci Xi for prostate, kidney, bladder and reconstructive urinary procedures, with treatment planned according to each patient’s diagnosis, anatomy and overall health.
12 Issue: September 2026
Robotic Gynecologic Surgery: Greater Control, Gentler Care
Gynecologic surgery often involves working within a small and complex area of the pelvis, where the uterus, ovaries, bladder, ureters, bowel, blood vessels, and nerves are positioned close together. Conditions such as fibroids, endometriosis, pelvic adhesions, ovarian masses, and gynecologic cancers can make surgery even more challenging.
Robotic-assisted surgery gives surgeons a magnified 3D view and highly flexible instruments that allow precise movement in confined spaces. This can be especially valuable when healthy reproductive organs and surrounding pelvic structures need to be carefully protected.
Protecting the Uterus with Robotic Precision For women with uterine fibroids,
For appropriately selected patients, robotic gynecologic surgery may help surgeons:
successful treatment may mean more than removing the fibroids. Preserving healthy uterine tissue can also be important, especially for women who may wish to become pregnant in the future. With experience in more than 200 robotic-assisted gynecologic procedures, Dr. Aranya Yantapant has extensive expertise in robotic surgery for both benign and gynecologic cancer conditions. Her particular expertise in robotic myomectomy combines enhanced 3D visualization with precise instrument control to carefully remove fibroids, minimize blood loss, and enable meticulous uterine reconstruction while preserving healthy uterine tissue. Her experience, combined with advanced robotic technology, supports precise, safe, and individualized surgical care, with particular attention to uterine preservation and future fertility when appropriate.
Reach deep or difficult areas of the pelvis more easily
Separate abnormal tissue from nearby organs with greater control Preserve healthy uterine tissue during fibroid surgery Perform precise suturing when reconstructing the uterus
Carefully manage adhesions or deep endometriosis
Perform selected gynecologic cancer procedures through small incisions Support less surgical trauma and faster early recovery compared with open surgery
Taking on Complex Gynecologic Surgery
Some gynecologic conditions involve difficult anatomy, extensive adhesions, or disease close to the bladder, ureters, bowel, nerves, or major blood vessels. Dr. Supachai Raungkaewmanee specializes in gynecologic oncology and minimally invasive surgery. Robotic technology can support complex procedures, including selected gynecologic cancer surgery, hysterectomy, pelvic mass removal, and lymph node procedures, where precise dissection and access to deep pelvic areas are particularly important.
At Bumrungrad International Hospital, robotic gynecologic surgery combines advanced technology with specialist expertise, allowing treatment to be carefully tailored to each woman’s condition, long-term health, and reproductive goals whenever possible.
Bumrungrad Robotic Surgery Center
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Bumrungrad Newsletter
A Personalized Approach to Women’s Health: Khun Sabaipair’s Journey
with Robotic-Assisted Surgery at Bumrungrad
For Khun Sabaipair Netpukdee , the journey began with recurring abdominal pain. Several years ago, she was diagnosed with an enlarged uterus and uterine fibroids. Because she was still planning to have another child, her doctor removed only the fibroids while preserving the uterus. When the pain later returned, her uterus had enlarged and the number of fibroids had increased. A hysterectomy was recommended, but Khun Sabaipair was concerned about whether her ovaries would also need to be removed and whether this could lead to premature menopause.
“I wanted to understand whether there were other options,” she recalls. “If I needed surgery, I wanted to know which approach would be best for me.” After researching her options, she chose Bumrungrad International Hospital.
Listening First, Planning Carefully
Preserving What Matters
At Bumrungrad, Dr. Wandee Areerak , a specialist in gynecologic oncology and obstetrics and gynecology, reviewed her medical history and treatment options. Khun Sabaipair had previously undergone two cesarean sections and another abdominal surgery, making extensive pelvic adhesions more likely.
One of Khun Sabaipair’s priorities was preserving her ovaries if medically appropriate. After careful assessment, the team determined that this was possible, allowing her to retain their natural hormone production while treating the condition causing her symptoms.
A Smooth Recovery and Ongoing Support
“Before deciding on a treatment, we need to listen carefully to the patient,” explains Dr. Wandee. “A detailed medical history gives us important information about previous surgeries,
“The incision was quite small, and I was able to recover quickly and return to my normal life,” she says. She was also reassured by the support she received after surgery. “My doctor gave me a way to contact the doctor directly whenever I had questions about my wound or experienced pain or discomfort,” she says. “It made me feel much more reassured.” Her experience reflects Bumrungrad’s personalized approach to care: understanding the patient’s history, concerns, and goals, then selecting the treatment that best fits the individual.
conditions, symptoms, and the patient’s goals.”
Following examinations, laboratory tests, and ultrasound, the team planned a robotic-assisted minimally invasive approach. Robotic-assisted surgery provides magnified three-dimensional visualization and precise instrument control, which can be particularly helpful when operating
around adhesions and complex anatomy.
Watch Khun Sabaipair Netpukdee’s Testimonial
Sometimes, the best treatment is not simply the most advanced procedure. It is the one carefully chosen for you.
14 Issue: September 2026
Robotic Surgery for General and Liver Conditions: A Minimally Invasive Approach Robotic-assisted surgery is widening the possibilities of minimally invasive treatment for abdominal conditions that require careful work around delicate structures. With magnified 3D visualization and wristed instruments controlled by the surgeon, complex procedures can be performed through small incisions with precise movement.
Robotic Liver Surgery Liver surgery requires exceptional control because tumors may sit close to major blood vessels and bile ducts, while preserving enough healthy liver is essential. Robotic hepatectomy may be considered for:
Robotic General Surgery Robotic surgery may be considered for selected patients with:
Gallstones or gallbladder inflammation requiring cholecystectomy Inguinal hernias, including selected bilateral or recurrent hernias Ventral or incisional hernias involving weaknesses in the abdominal wall
Hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common primary liver cancer
Selected liver metastases, including those from colorectal cancer
Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Selected benign tumors, such as hepatic adenomas
Benefits for General Surgery The advantages are closely linked to the anatomy being treated. During gallbladder removal , enhanced visualization can help the surgeon work carefully around the cystic duct, bile ducts and nearby blood vessels. In hernia repair , wristed instruments can support precise suturing, closure of abdominal-wall defects and accurate mesh positioning, which may be especially useful in larger or more complex repairs. Compared with open surgery, a minimally invasive robotic approach may also mean smaller incisions and faster early recovery for suitable patients.
Symptomatic or complex liver cysts
Benefits for Liver Surgery Robotic technology can support precise removal of diseased tissue while preserving as much healthy liver as possible. Detailed visualization may help surgeons identify vessels and bile ducts, perform controlled dissection and manage bleeding carefully. When appropriate, smaller incisions may also reduce surgical trauma and support quicker recovery compared with open hepatectomy. At Bumrungrad Robotic Surgery Center , the da Vinci Xi is used for selected general and liver surgeries within individualized treatment plans. The most appropriate approach, whether robotic, laparoscopic, or open, depends on the condition, anatomy, previous
surgery and overall health of each patient.
Bumrungrad Robotic Surgery Center
15
Bumrungrad Newsletter
When Strength Becomes Measurable We may exercise regularly, walk with ease, or continue to enjoy our favorite activities, but how well do we truly understand our physical performance? Are the muscles on both sides of the body working equally? Is our reaction time changing? And is the exercise we do today actually preparing us for the life we want in the future? Healthy longevity is about more than body weight, appearance, or the number of steps taken each day. Strength, balance, mobility, coordination, and reaction speed all play an important role in helping us remain active, confident, and independent as we age. At VitalLife Scientific Wellness Center, Ddrobotec brings data and technology into the assessment and development of physical performance. This advanced robotic training system combines controlled resistance, digital technology, and interactive game-based exercises to create a personalized and measurable training experience. During each session, users complete movement tasks displayed on a screen while the system records their performance. The collected data can help reveal physical strengths, differences between the left and right sides of the body, movement control, reaction ability, and areas that may require further development. These insights allow the care team to recommend a training approach that better matches each individual’s current ability, lifestyle, and personal goals. For active individuals, Ddrobotec can provide a clearer picture of how the body is responding to exercise and which areas could be improved. It may also support those preparing for sports, seeking to maintain lower-body strength, or wanting to preserve mobility and confidence as they grow older. Each program should be considered according to the individual’s health status and guided by qualified professionals. Ultimately, the goal is not simply to achieve a higher score on a screen. It is to translate measurable progress into real life: standing up more easily, climbing stairs with confidence, travelling, exercising, playing sports, and continuing to do the things that matter most. Discover your current physical performance and take a more informed step toward healthy longevity with the Ddrobotec program at VitalLife Scientific Wellness Center.
VitalLife Scientific Wellness Center
16 Issue: September 2026
Specialists at Bumrungrad Robotic Surgery Center
Cardiothoracic Surgery
Urologic Surgery
Piya Cherntanomwong, M.D. Cardiothoracic Surgery
Asst. Prof. Boonlawat Homvises, M.D. Cardiothoracic Surgery
Teerapon Amornvesukit, M.D. Robotic Surgery Urology
Prof. Kittinut Kijvikai, M.D. Robotic Surgery Urology
General Surgery
Prof. Wisoot Kongchareonsombat, M.D. Robotic Surgery Urology
Apirak Santingamkun, M.D. Robotic Surgery Urology
Asst. Prof. Poochong Timratana, M.D. General Surgery
Asst. Prof. Kawin Leelawat, M.D., Ph.D. General Surgery Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery (HPB) Surgical Oncology
Assoc. Prof. Kamol Panumatrassamee, M.D. Robotic Surgery Urology
Assoc. Prof. Sittiporn Srinualnad, M.D. Robotic Surgery Urology
Asst. Prof. Voranaddha Vacharathit, M.D. General Surgery
Rawisak Chanwat, M.D. General Surgery Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery (HPB) Surgical Oncology
Gynecologic Surgery
ENT/Head and Neck Surgery
Aranya Yantapant, M.D. Gynecologic Oncology Obstetrics and Gynecology
Supachai Raungkaewmanee, M.D. Gynecologic Oncology Obstetrics and Gynecology
Chantawat Sheanakul, M.D. Gynecologic Oncology Obstetrics and Gynecology
Thanusak Srijai, M.D. Head and Neck Surgery Otolaryngology
Thitithep Limvorapitak, M.D. Colorectal Surgery General Surgery
Navara Dusitanond, M.D. Colorectal Surgery General Surgery
Colorectal Surgery
17
Bumrungrad Newsletter
2023 - 2026
2021 - 2026
2023 - 2026
Bumrungrad International Hospital 33 Sukhumvit 3, Vadhana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand Tel: +66 (0) 2066 8888 | Fax: +66 (0) 2011 5100 Email: info@bumrungrad.com | www.bumrungrad.com
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