A $4.2 million robotic surgical system has begun operating at Mater Hospital Springfield, making it the first hospital in Queensland to use the cutting-edge technology and giving patients access to complex surgery closer to home.
The new da Vinci 5 robotic surgical system is being used to perform minimally invasive keyhole procedures across gynaecology, urology, cardiothoracic and general surgery.
For patients, the technology can mean smaller incisions, less pain, shorter hospital stays and a faster return to everyday life.
Gynaecologist Dr Ivana Rizzuto became the first surgeon to operate using the new system, with demand for the technology emerging before it had even performed its first procedure.
Three of Dr Rizzuto’s patients chose to delay their operations until the robot became available at Springfield.
“As soon as they realised that we were having the da Vinci 5 at Springfield, they waited,” Dr Rizzuto said.
“I suspect we will see a growing number of patients coming to Mater because of this robot.
“It will help lots of women – their recovery time will be quicker, they will be able to have their surgery in a day and go home.”
Mum-of-two Bronwyn Wotton made Queensland medical history as the first patient to undergo a procedure using the system at Springfield, receiving a robotic hysterectomy.
“It’s kind of exciting – it’s good to know that the recovery time is a lot less than the traditional methods,” Ms Wotton said.
“It reduces the impact on our family life. My husband doesn’t have to take as much time off work to manage the kids and then I’m able to get back to doing my usual duties a bit quicker.”
Dr Rizzuto said the technology could also expand the range of patients able to undergo certain procedures, including people previously considered unsuitable for some operations because of their BMI.
Despite its name, the da Vinci 5 does not independently perform surgery, with the system controlled by the surgeon from a console in the operating theatre.
The console provides highly detailed 3D visualisation and allows the surgeon to control robotic instruments during complex procedures.
