Robot benefits arrive in north Melbourne

Patients in Melbourne's northern suburbs now have better access to the benefits of robotic surgery.

Northern Private Hospital in Epping has invested in state-of-the-art technology to improve patient outcomes in knee and hip procedures.

Orthopaedic surgeon Dr Andrew Gong performed the Ramsay Health Care facility's first operation using the Stryker Mako robot device.

"The Mako robot enables the surgeon to develop a 3D patient-specific plan, based on the patient's own anatomy, and to carry out that plan with increased accuracy and reproducibility," Dr Gong said.

"The robot is designed to offer better patient outcomes including less disruption to soft tissue, meaning less pain in the early recovery period.

"The planning software also allows us to perform a virtual range of motion check before hip surgery, which can identify potential future issues like dislocation, so we can adjust the component position to avoid the problem."

Dr Gong is one of three surgeons trained to use the device at Northern Private Hospital, a $145 million facility which opened in February 2024.

"I think it's great that Northern Private Hospital has invested in this technology," he said.

"Having access to the Mako here enables patients in the northern suburbs to have modern, robotic-assisted surgery without having to travel longer distances or into the inner city."

Northern Private CEO Shaune Gillespie said the hospital was committed to offering the local community leading private healthcare services close to home.

"We're proud to invest in robotic technology which is designed to offer improved surgical outcomes for patients," he added.

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