A series of recent robotic-assisted surgery milestones at Epworth HealthCare marks the beginning of an exciting next chapter, according to a leading orthopaedic surgeon.
Since August 2017, MAKO surgical robots have now been used in more than 5,700 knee and hip replacement surgeries across Epworth. This includes around 3,723 at Epworth Richmond, 1,420 at Epworth Eastern and 562 at Epworth Geelong.
"When we started the robotic program at Epworth in 2017, we had no idea it would get to be this big," Mr Andrew Tang said.
"At the time, Epworth was leading joint replacement in Victoria, and robotic technology was still in its early stages.
"But the more we were exposed to technology, the more our group of Epworth orthopaedic surgeons realised the benefits robotics can offer our patients."
The Epworth robotic program has now grown to offer surgeons the use of multiple robotic systems, representing most of the available programs. In total, more than 6,500 of robotic orthopaedic procedures have been performed at Epworth.
Traditional knee and hip replacement surgery continues to deliver excellent outcomes, with robotic-assisted surgery offering another method of joint preparation for implant positioning. At Epworth, both robotic and traditional surgical techniques are continually delivering optimum outcomes for our patients.
"The robotics program at Epworth HealthCare is now seven years old and our experience is extensive," Mr Tang said.
"I'm grateful to Epworth for supporting and encouraging the development of our robotic program, and I'm proud of every surgeon who has contributed to its success.
"These are exciting times, and we have a fantastic group of young surgeons coming through who will elevate this program even further over the next decade."
