Phone 03 9426 6700
In 2002 Epworth HealthCare expanded urology services across the group. We responded to the growing community need to promote and provide innovative practice and excellence in men’s health.
In November 2003 the da Vinci Robot was purchased and in December 2003, the first Robotic Assisted Radical Prostatectomy was performed in Australia at Epworth Richmond. This procedure is the minimally invasive surgical removal of the prostate gland in men who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
The outcomes of this new technique are:
- Shorter hospital stay
- Reduced analgesia requirements especially narcotics
- Shorter recovery time
- Earlier return to normal activity
- Reduced blood loss therefore need for blood transfusions
- Improved nerve sparing operation because of 10 times magnification and 3 dimensional vision
- Improved cancer cure outcomes, also because of better vision.
This new technology has resulted in the establishment of the Australian Institute of Robotic Surgery at Epworth Richmond, and a data base of clinical outcomes for all patients undergoing this procedure. In addition there is a prospective nursing study with the aim of comparing outcomes of patients undergoing minimally invasive radical prostatectomy (robotic and laparoscopic) and those undergoing the traditional open procedure.
Urology inpatients are currently located on the 7th floor of the Erin Street building (7ES) Phone 0394266700.
There are 5 urologists who consult locally and have regular operating sessions at Epworth Richmond. Between them they cover all minor (day surgery) & major urology procedures.
There is an external radiology service and a radiotherapy service on site which means that any investigations and / or follow up treatment can be performed in house without any travel inconvenience.
There is also a Prostate Cancer Liaison Service available which offers nursing support, providing education and advice to men (and their partners) who have this condition.
Please use the search on the right hand side of this page to find a specialist.
Associate Operations Director
Sheila Daly 03 9426 6560
Clinical Care Coordinator
Libby Beale 03 94266666 - pager 6135