Robotic-assisted minimally invasive surgery represents an extraordinary technological advance for a broad range of procedures traditionally requiring open surgery. By enabling surgeons to perform complex operations through small incisions, it diminishes the level of patient trauma and helps dramatically improve patient outcomes.
Epworth Richmond was the first hospital in Australia to perform a robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy using the da Vinci Surgical System. Now Epworth Richmond and Epworth Eastern together perform the highest number of robotic-assisted procedures in Australia each year, including close to 500 robotic-assisted prostatectomies.
About the da Vinci System
The da Vinci Surgical System is a laparoscopic surgical robot. By placing robotic technology between the surgeon and the patient, the robot helps surgeons with precision, control and visualisation.
The major differences from normal laparoscopic surgery are:
- Surgeons are operating at the site of the prostate, rather than at the end of laparoscopic instruments
- The technique allows surgeons to operate through several small incisions about the size of a 10 cent piece
- Because of the smaller incision, it is expected that patients experience less scarring, less blood loss, shorter hospital stays, less risk of infection, less post-operative pain and fewer post-operative complications
- In Australia the average length of hospital stay after an open surgery radical prostatectomy is 5-7 days, whereas after a robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy patietns can go home in 24-36 hours.
For more information on the da Vinci Surgical System please visit the website at www.davincisurgery.com.
Robotic Surgery at Epworth
The Robotic Surgery team at Epworth has made profound achievements since purchasing the first robot in 2004. Specialised skills training in the U.S. has been undertaken, the team has established a new field of surgery in Australia, equalled international best practice standards for a range of procedures, and laid the basis for a centre of excellence that will teach robotic skills and drive robotic surgical research in Australia.
The team has pioneered not only a new approach to surgery, but also a new collaborative dynamic in the operating theatre.
Their results for a range of cardiac and urological procedures include:
- Patient recovery rates up to 3-4 times faster
- Average hospital stays reduced by at least 50 percent
- Significantly reduced blood transfusion rates in all operations
- Less post-operative trauma and complications
Epworth Richmond and Epworth Eastern now have accreditation to provide proctoring for surgeons returning from their initial robotic surgical training in the U.S. and soon will be able to provide full training for future generations of practitioners. The team is also actively involved in promoting the new technology to their peers and to the wider medical community in Australia.
| Mr Aubrey Almeida | 9594 4515 | Dr Martin Healey | 9425 9833 |
| Mr John Goldblatt | 9347 5935 | Dr Thomas Manolitsas | 9500 8266 |
| Mr Randall Moshinksy | 9508 1559 | | |
| Mr Peter Skillington | 9347 0106 | | |