Robotic surgery comes to Geelong

St John of God Geelong Hospital has taken delivery of the very latest surgical robot, in a move that will revolutionise the provision of a range of surgery in Geelong.

12 Apr 2016

12 April 2016

The new da Vinci Xi system – the first in Victoria – allows surgeons to perform highly precise surgical procedures within the patient’s body through keyhole incisions. The four-arm robot is controlled by a surgeon who sits at a console using a high-definition three-dimensional image to guide the surgical procedure.

Stephen Roberts, CEO of St John of God Geelong Hospital, is delighted to have the new da Vinci Xi system - the first in Victoria.

“This ground-breaking technology is becoming an integral element of a modern surgical service,” he said.

“This robot is a natural extension of the surgeon’s eyes and hands. It allows for greater precision and finer surgical work within the patient’s body, utlilising minimally invasive procedures and resulting in better surgical outcomes.”

The robot, which cost more than $3 million, will be used for the first time in Geelong in early May.

Mr Roberts said that robot-assisted surgery has established itself as the preferred platform for complex prostate surgery in Australia with more than 70% of all prostatectomies performed in private hospitals now robot assisted and the latest generation Xi robot is establishing an emerging presence in bariatric, bowel, thoracic and gynaecological surgeries.

“This is great new technology to introduce to Geelong, St John of God has long been recognised as a surgical centre of excellence and the establishment of a robotic program on the back of our recent development of a cardiac surgery program is a first for a private hospital in regional Australia. This is very exciting for our city,” Mr Roberts said.

Mr Roberts said that a complement of surgeons had already commenced an extensive training program to use the new technology.

“Delivering the safest possible program of the highest quality is our priority and the introduction of new technology requires a very strong training, clinical governance and a constant review of patient outcomes. To get the most benefit from the technology for our community we need our people and our processes absolutely on song.”

“This technology allows us to do things we could never do before. We are very excited to be a leader in this field and at the prospect of offering this world-class service to patients right here in Geelong,” he said.

Ask your GP about a referral to a St John of God Geelong Hospital accredited urologist who uses the da Vinci Xi robot.