A new $4 million surgical robot is expected to provide local patients with less pain and discomfort, faster recovery, minimal scarring and shorter hospital stays.
A da Vinci Surgical Robot System was recently delivered to Sunshine Coast Health and it will initially be used for urology cases, before supporting different surgeries.
It will enable surgeons to sit down and view the surgical field through a high-definition 3D screen inside the robot’s console. Surgeons can then use their hands and feet to control the instruments to make delicate and precise movements to perform operations.
The instruments on the equipment accurately mimic a surgeon’s wrist and finger movements, while the arms and camera allow stability, minimise tremors and improve the field of vision to achieve the best possible outcomes for patients.
The robotic surgery program at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital will start with urological procedures later this year, with the view to expand to other types of surgery.
The da Vinci robots are now in use at multiple health services throughout the state including Gold Coast Health, Metro North Health and Metro South Health.
Health Minister Shannon Fentiman said the robot would help experts with difficult surgeries.
“I’m thrilled for the Sunshine Coast community who will soon have access to improved outcomes thanks to this innovative technology,” she said.
“This new surgical robot is a game-changer and means patients can go home sooner and recover faster.
“It will also give our hard-working surgeons more choices when performing difficult or complex surgeries.”
Member for Nicklin Rob Skelton said the arrival of the robot was “exciting news for our community” while Member for Caloundra Jason Hunt said it was “awesome technology”.
“This new robot has the potential to cut down surgical waitlists and improve patient outcomes,” the latter said.
“Innovative technologies are the future of healthcare and it’s great that we’re part of this revolution here on the Sunny Coast.”
Sunshine Coast Health chief executive Dr Peter Gillies said doctors and patients would benefit from the new service.
“We are constantly looking to do things differently within our health service and with other health services successfully using this piece of equipment, we can see the positive improvements it’s made to surgical waitlists and importantly to outcomes for our patients,” he said.
“Our Sunshine Coast Health surgical team are looking forward to using this new equipment to support the health needs of our community.”
Subscribe to our FREE daily news feed. All it requires is your name and email at the bottom of this article.
