Saint James Hospital has become the first private hospital in Malta to introduce robotic-assisted surgery, following a €3.2 million investment that brings advanced minimally invasive procedures to the country’s private healthcare sector.

The new system, which becomes operational on 2nd January, is designed to enhance surgical precision, control and visualisation through 3DHD imaging, wristed instruments that mimic human movement, and tremor-filtering technology. While the technology supports the surgeon rather than replaces skill, the hospital says its greatest impact will be felt by patients, who generally experience smoother recoveries and fewer complications than with conventional surgery.

Saint James Hospital CEO Jean Claude Muscat said the investment represents “a major step forward for private healthcare in Malta”, noting that robotic-assisted procedures are associated with smaller incisions, less pain, and quicker returns to everyday life.

“Our mission has always been to provide patients with the safest, most advanced care possible,” he said. “This technology ensures that individuals in Malta seeking private treatment can now benefit from world-leading surgical innovation.”

The hospital is planning to perform three to four robotic-assisted procedures per week, covering general surgery, bariatric surgery, gynaecology and urology. The introduction of robotics also opens the door to more delicate and highly precise interventions, expanding the range of minimally invasive procedures available locally.

During a press briefing at Saint James Capua Hospital in Sliema, senior management outlined the key patient benefits associated with robotic-assisted surgery. They noted that patients generally experience shorter hospital stays - often one to two days less - along with markedly fewer complications, with reductions ranging between 10% and 44%. The team also highlighted that robotic procedures typically result in 21% to 75% fewer transfusions and reduced blood loss, as well as less post-operative pain, a lower risk of infection, and minimal scarring, making the approach significantly more patient-friendly than traditional surgical methods.

Medical Director Adrian Vella emphasised that while the system significantly enhances surgical capabilities - particularly through superior 3D vision and highly controlled instrumentation - it does not automate or replace surgical expertise.

“All procedures are performed by top local surgeons who have already obtained specialised certification in robotic-assisted surgery,” he said.

With this investment, Saint James Hospital becomes the first private healthcare operator in Malta to enter the robotic surgery space, marking a strategic move within a sector that continues to evolve rapidly. As patient expectations shift toward less invasive treatment options and faster recovery times, the hospital’s adoption of robotic-assisted techniques is likely to influence competitive dynamics across the wider healthcare market.