Epworth Richmond is the first hospital in Australia to introduce new advanced robotic technology that can deliver complex surgery through just one tiny incision.
Where traditional robotic systems involve the surgeon controlling four robotic 'arms' which enter the body through four incisions of around 8mm in diameter, the new da Vinci single port system requires just one incision of around 25mm in diameter.
The telescope and surgical instruments enter the body straight, as they do in the traditional multi-port robotic surgery, but once deep inside they spring out "like snakes".
This allows separation between the surgical instruments and 3D telescope inside the body, which is required when performing robotic procedures, including urology, gynaecology, thoracic, cardiac, colorectal, and general surgery.
"Patients may be left with just one small scar, which can often be hidden entirely – through the bellybutton for example – and may experience a faster recovery following surgery," Epworth urologist Professor Declan Murphy said.
"The single port system will also help to increase access to robotic surgery for Epworth patients by allowing surgeons to operate in small spaces that can't accommodate multiple ports, such as head and neck cancer surgery via the throat.
"We still see a significant role for multi-port robotic surgery, which continues to allow for precise surgery within the body, but this new single port system offers our surgeons more options to deliver the best outcomes for our patients."
Epworth colorectal surgeon, Associate Professor Satish Warrier, said the single port robot added to the extensive fleet of robotic systems across Epworth.
"It won't replace other robotic-assisted surgery for all cases, but it plays a role for select patients requiring colon and rectal procedures, which is significant for us as surgeons, but also for our patients," he said.
"With robotic systems, the surgeon is still in control. The robot is an extension of our hand as we are controlling the equipment."
Prof Murphy said Epworth had pioneered robotic surgery in Australia, as the first to perform robotic surgery in 2003, and was continuing to lead the country with the introduction of this state-of-the-art technology.
"Epworth has always invested in the most advanced surgical technology for the benefit of our patients for more than 20 years," Prof Murphy said.
Epworth has a proud history of innovation, leading the way in robotic-assisted surgery for more than two decades. We continue to expand our robotics program across multiple specialties including orthopaedics, urology, general surgery, cardiac surgery, ear, nose, and throat, spinal surgery, gynaecology and thoracic surgery.
