Long tradition of pioneering robotic surgery at Epworth

Epworth Richmond has become the first hospital in Victoria to offer three Da Vinci robotic systems in a long tradition of pioneering robotic surgery in Australia.

A new Xi system has joined the hospital’s existing X and Xi models to provide patients with even greater access to modern robotic surgery.

The robotic systems deliver minimally invasive procedures across urology, gynaecology, thoracic, cardiac, colorectal, and general surgery. This means patients may potentially experience less post-operative pain, a lower risk of infection and faster recovery times.

The first robotic operation in Australia was performed on a prostate cancer patient at Epworth Richmond more than 21 years ago, in January 2004. General surgeon Mr Julian Choi said Epworth remained at the forefront of robotic surgery.

Epworth Richmond has completed over 500 surgeries with Da Vinci robots in this current financial year.

Mr Choi said having three Da Vinci robots at Epworth Richmond meant more patients could have more complex procedures performed robotically, including liver and pancreatic cancer surgeries.

“Robotics provides a minimally invasive approach, which may result in less pain and early return to normal activities for patients,” Mr Choi said.

“The robotic systems mean I have a 3 dimensional vision with three robotic arms with wristed movements to provide precision, flexibility, and control.

“My observation is that following robotic surgery, patients may experience potentially fast recovery with reduced post-post-operative pain. For example, in some of the traditional pancreatic surgeries performed as open surgery, patients may spend a week in hospital. After robotic surgery, patients may be home in three or four days.”

The benefits of robotic surgery extend to Epworth surgeons, Mr Choi said.

“Robotic systems also provide ergonomic benefit to surgeons. Long complex open or laparoscopic operations can be physically challenging for surgeons, and we carry a lot of muscular skeletal issues. Robotic assisted surgery is much less taxing,” he said.

“I am really fortunate to practice at Epworth because we really are at the forefront of robotic surgery, and this cannot be done without the support of the entire organisation.”