Malaysia performs first Kelly's procedure for bladder exstrophy
Bladder exstrophy is a complex birth defect in which a baby is born with the bladder outside the body.
Kelly's procedure reconstructs the bladder neck using the child's muscle and soft tissue to create a new functional sphincter, improving bladder capacity and enabling controlled urination for improved bladder control and cosmetic outcome.
Without corrective surgery, affected children often remain diaper-dependent for life.
On Monday, Prince Court Medical Centre consultant urologist Dr Roger Anthony Idi and Professor Imran Mushtaq, a paediatric urologist renowned for his expertise in complex reconstructive surgery, performed the surgery on a 2-year-old boy from Indonesia.
Dr Anthony said the birth defect affected more boys than girls and the corrective procedure is typically performed at 2 to 3 years old.
The success rate for the surgery is 80 to 90 per cent.
"Cases are more often found in America, not in Malaysia and Asean countries," Dr Anthony said.
Mushtaq said: "Conditions like bladder exstrophy can have lifelong consequences if not treated early. With the right expertise and infrastructure, children can go on to live healthy, functional lives. The earlier these children are seen, the better their outcomes."
"This is more than just one surgery. It's the beginning of better access for families across the region who previously had no choice but to travel abroad," Dr Anthony said.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- New Straits Times
Malaysia performs first Kelly's procedure for bladder exstrophy
KUALA LUMPUR: The complex Kelly's procedure for bladder exstrophy has been performed in Malaysia for the first time. Bladder exstrophy is a complex birth defect in which a baby is born with the bladder outside the body. Kelly's procedure reconstructs the bladder neck using the child's muscle and soft tissue to create a new functional sphincter, improving bladder capacity and enabling controlled urination for improved bladder control and cosmetic outcome. Without corrective surgery, affected children often remain diaper-dependent for life. On Monday, Prince Court Medical Centre consultant urologist Dr Roger Anthony Idi and Professor Imran Mushtaq, a paediatric urologist renowned for his expertise in complex reconstructive surgery, performed the surgery on a 2-year-old boy from Indonesia. Dr Anthony said the birth defect affected more boys than girls and the corrective procedure is typically performed at 2 to 3 years old. The success rate for the surgery is 80 to 90 per cent. "Cases are more often found in America, not in Malaysia and Asean countries," Dr Anthony said. Mushtaq said: "Conditions like bladder exstrophy can have lifelong consequences if not treated early. With the right expertise and infrastructure, children can go on to live healthy, functional lives. The earlier these children are seen, the better their outcomes." "This is more than just one surgery. It's the beginning of better access for families across the region who previously had no choice but to travel abroad," Dr Anthony said.
The Star
5 days ago
- The Star
Malaysia can take the lead in managing the global obesity crisis
Obesity is a slow-moving emergency in Malaysia – creeping steadily through the population, raising healthcare costs, reducing productivity and contributing to rising levels of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). It is one of the defining public health challenges of the 21st century and Malaysia is on the front lines. We now have one of the highest adult obesity rates in South-East Asia, with over half of the adult population classified as overweight or obese, according to the 2023 National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS). The economic toll is no less alarming. Prevent the kilos, save the money According to the Health Ministry's Investment Case for the Prevention and Control of NCDs , obesity-related conditions cost our economy over RM5.2bil in 2017 alone. This was RM1.7bil in direct healthcare expenses and another RM3.5bil in productivity losses. The human and economic burden is substantial and growing. Yet, the same investment case provides a hopeful counterpoint: effective prevention could yield dramatic savings. The report shows that every ringgit invested in obesity prevention could return up to six ringgit in benefits through reduced health costs and productivity gains. Malaysia stands to save RM43bil over 15 years by implementing proven and cost-effective interventions, particularly through fiscal measures and nutrition strategies. These aren't theoretical solutions; they're policy tools with demonstrated success globally. For instance, expanding Malaysia's existing sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) tax framework could yield measurable reductions in sugary drink consumption, while implementing school nutrition programmes would create vital structural protections for vulnerable youth populations. What makes these interventions particularly compelling is their dual benefit: they simultaneously save lives while generating significant economic returns. ALSO READ: Sugary drinks intake went up among kids, in tandem with obesity Addressing the problem Despite the facts, obesity remains under-addressed in Malaysia's health and development plans. While NCDs such as diabetes and cardiovascular (heart) disease often receive targeted action, obesity – their leading cause – is too often treated as a secondary concern, or worse, as a personal failing rather than what it is: a chronic disease driven by the interplay of genetic predisposition, food environment, exploitative marketing and socioeconomic factors. ALSO READ: Obesity is more complex than just overeating The global health community has increasingly recognised this complexity. Since 2018, obesity has been classified as a disease rather than simply a risk factor for other illnesses. This redefinition carries major implications, not only for treatment, but for policy, shifting the focus from individual willpower to systemic action. The case for action is not merely domestic. As Asean Chair and a participant in next month's (September 2025) fourth United Nations General Assembly High-Level Meeting (UN HLM) on NCDs, Malaysia has an historic opportunity to lead the global charge against obesity. Unfortunately, the current draft of the UN Political Declaration – scheduled for adoption at the meeting – fails to reflect the gravity of the obesity crisis. It stops short of naming obesity as a chronic disease, omits reference to several evidence- informed interventions recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) – including fiscal interventions such as taxes on SSBs of at least 20% – and uses weak language on addressing food systems in relation to prevention policy. This represents a missed opportunity and fails the one billion people living with obesity worldwide and future generations who are at increasing risk. Obesity accounts for around 43% of type 2 diabetes, up to 78% of hypertension (high blood pressure), and plays a role in at least 13 types of cancer. And yet, fewer than 20% of countries have meaningfully integrated obesity into their primary care systems, and effective policies, like SSB taxes, remain underutilised, despite a strong evidence base showing they reduce consumption and disease risk across income levels. Time for Malaysia to lead Malaysia's position on both the regional and global stage presents a unique opportunity. As Asean Chair, the country can lead a coordinated regional voice advocating for stronger commitments in the final UN declaration. That includes recognition of obesity as a disease, adoption of WHO-recommended policies to reshape food environments, and integration of obesity services into health systems. These elements are not just ethically and scientifically justified – they are economically rational. As Malaysia embarks on implementing its 13th development plan (i.e. 13th Malaysia Plan), it offers an excellent domestic vehicle to scale up obesity prevention in line with the Investment Case 's recommendations. The science is clear, the economic case is irrefutable, and the timing is politically opportune. Now is the moment for leaders to choose legacy over lethargy, and transform this slow-moving crisis into public health and public finance wins. Political and public health leaders have the chance to act on solid local evidence while championing global progress. It is no exaggeration to say that the cost of inaction will be counted in millions of lives lost and billions of ringgit drained from the economy. But the good news is that solutions exist. Malaysia, with its data in hand, its leadership role in Asean and its voice at the UN, is well placed to turn the tide – not only for its own population, but also as an advocate for equitable, systemic responses to obesity across the region and beyond. The challenge is not whether effective action is possible; it is whether the political will exists to deliver it before this slow- burning crisis becomes a full-blown catastrophe. History judges societies not by their crises, but by their responses. This is Malaysia's moment to lead, or be left behind. Dr Geeta Appannah is a professor of nutrition and dietetics at IMU University, president of the Malaysian Association for the Study of Obesity and member of the World Obesity Federation's Policy and Prevention Committee. Dr Kent Buse is a professor of health policy at Monash University Malaysia and chair of the World Obesity Federation's Policy and Prevention Committee. For more information, email starhealth@ The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only, and should not be considered as medical advice. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this article. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.
Barnama
7 days ago
- Barnama
Top News Headlines In Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam: Aug 8, 2025
The World Health Organisation (WHO) will work with the Ministry of Health to provide medical essentials to internally displaced people following the border conflict. Many in the northern provinces left their homes during the five-day conflict with Thailand. The Ministry of Tourism and Airavata, a nonprofit organisation that protects elephants in Ratanakiri Province, are exploring ways to promote ecotourism. The organisation has been successful in elephant conservation and developing rural ecotourism. 1. MAKING BREASTFEEDING TOP HEALTH PRIORITY -- VIENTIANE TIMES The government is giving serious attention to breastfeeding to promote a healthy lifestyle. In conjunction with the World Breastfeeding Week, authorities are raising awareness of breastfeeding, child health and the need for investments to support young mothers. 2. COFFEE FARMING HELPS FARMERS, FORESTS -- VIENTIANE TIMES Coffee farming and environmental campaigns are helping farmers in northern Laos protect forests and earn a sustainable income. In the Viengkham district of Luang Prabang province, 104 farmers have planted 46,900 coffee seedlings this year with the support of international bodies. MYANMAR 1. YANGON ZOO PRIDES WITH RED PANDA -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR The Yangon Zoo is showcasing the red panda, a rare species with fewer than 10,000 living in the wild and considered a critically endangered species. Red pandas are a mammal native to the eastern Himalayas and western China. 2. STATE FUNERAL FOR LATE PRO-TEM PRESIDENT -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR Myanmar's pro-tem President U Myint Swe, who passed away yesterday morning, will be laid to rest with state honours. The government has formed 11 working committees to organise a national-level ceremony. PHILIPPINES 1. MARCOS: EGOVPH TO MAKE IT EASIER FOR FILIPINOS TO ACCESS GOVERNMENT SERVICES -- THE PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (PBBM) on Thursday said his administration's push for the eGovPH Super App -- designed to provide faster, simpler, and more convenient access to public services -- stems from the need to keep the Philippines in step with the times. 2. PHILIPPINES, INDIA SIGN THREE TORS TO BOOST DEFENCE TIES -- THE PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY The Philippines and India have strengthened their defence ties with the signing of three Terms of Reference (TORs), aimed at enhancing cooperation between the two nations' key armed services, the Department of National Defense (DND) said Thursday. SINGAPORE 1. CAMBODIA, THAILAND AGREE ON ASEAN OBSERVERS MONITORING TRUCE, BUT FUNDAMENTAL DIFFERENCES REMAIN -- THE STRAITS TIMES Cambodia and Thailand agreed on a set of measures on Aug 7 aimed at bolstering a critical ceasefire between the two neighbouring countries, including allowing an interim team of ASEAN observers to monitor disputed border areas. 2. STUDENT FOUND WITH VAPE TAKEN TO HOSPITAL AFTER BEHAVING AGGRESSIVELY IN SCHOOL; HSA INVESTIGATING -- THE STRAITS TIMES A student of Yuying Secondary School found with a vaping device was taken to hospital after he appeared to be behaving aggressively to a staff member. THAILAND 1. THAI POLICE DETAIN CAMBODIAN BHQ SOLDIER IN BURI RAM PROVINCE -- THE NATION A Cambodian soldier from the elite Bodyguard Headquarters (BHQ) unit, tasked with protecting former Prime Minister Hun Sen, was recently arrested in Buri Ram, according to Lamduan Police Station. 2. GULF GIVES B100M TO TROOPS, FAMILIES -- BANGKOK POST Gulf Development Plc, Thailand's largest energy company by market value and a telecom operator, has donated 100 million baht to the Royal Thai Army to assist soldiers injured or the families of those killed in the border conflict with Cambodia. VIETNAM 1. ONLINE SHOPPING TREND GAINING POPULARITY -- VIETNAMPLUS More Vietnamese consumers are opting for online shopping, reflecting the strong purchasing power of online channels and a major shift towards digital consumption. The fast-moving consumer goods are a major driver in this segment. 2. INNOVATION TO DRIVE NATION'S GROWTH -- VIETNAM NEWS Technology and innovation will be Vietnam's core development strategy as it aims to accelerate digital transformation and to be globally competitive. The government is drafting a national strategy to build an innovation-driven economy. -- BERNAMA BERNAMA provides up-to-date authentic and comprehensive news and information which are disseminated via BERNAMA Wires; BERNAMA TV on Astro 502, unifi TV 631 and MYTV 121 channels and BERNAMA Radio on FM93.9 (Klang Valley), FM107.5 (Johor Bahru), FM107.9 (Kota Kinabalu) and FM100.9 (Kuching) frequencies. Follow us on social media : Facebook : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatv, @bernamaradio Twitter : @ @BernamaTV, @bernamaradio Instagram : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatvofficial, @bernamaradioofficial TikTok : @bernamaofficial
