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Performing 1,000 Mako robotic knee replacement surgeries is a milestone achievement, but for orthopaedic surgeon Jim Kiellerup it was "just another day in the office".
The procedure at Melbourne's Warringal Private Hospital was celebrated with a cake and some fanfare, but the modest Mr Kiellerup insisted there were "plenty of surgeons" who had completed more.
He did acknowledge, however, he was pleased to have helped so many patients.
"Joint replacement surgery is a real quality-of life-operation," Mr Kiellerup said.
"I work mainly with older patients, aged in their 60s and 70s, and it's a big deal. It's completely elective surgery, four or five days in hospital and then a couple of weeks on crutches.
"It's a life-changing operation – I've had patients who, four weeks after surgery are playing 18 holes of golf. And I get a real kick out of that. Having happy patients is just the best."
Mr Kiellerup performed Warringal Private Hospital's first total knee replacement using the Mako robot in March 2018, and he said the device had made the surgery much more precise.
"Our patients have a CT scan, which is digitised, and we teach the robot exactly where the bones are on this particular patient," he said.
"The robot holds all the tools for us as well during surgery, there's a big saw that cuts into the joint with incredible accuracy – to within half a millimetre.
"The robot then tells us where exactly on the bone the metal replacement parts go.
"Often patients who need a knee replacement can't get their knee to straighten right out or to bend back, and I like to correct all those things perfectly while we're in there.
"Using the robot, there's not as much cutting into the soft tissue, there's less bleeding. My impression has been that the recovery time is quicker, and patients are able to get going quicker.
"Honestly, it is very cool."
Mr Kiellerup said the robotic surgery community had been instrumental in his success.
"We are all there to teach each other and learn from each other," he said.
"I've had very generous surgeons in Perth and Sydney teach me, and in return I have been able to teach others."
In a statement, Warringal Private Hospital said it was proud to celebrate the surgical milestone.
"This is a remarkable achievement, and we are incredibly proud to have supported him on this journey," the Ramsay Health Care facility said.
"Congratulations, Jim, on this outstanding accomplishment. Your dedication continues to make a positive impact on so many patient lives.
"Here's to many more milestones ahead!"
Warringal Private Hospital celebrated another robotic milestone in October 2024 when Mr Grant Pang performed his first joint replacement procedure using the ROSA system.
The hospital called it "a major step forward in our commitment to providing exceptional, patient-focused care".
"A big congratulations to the entire team for making this milestone possible!" it said on its Facebook page.
Read more: Melbourne hospital hits 'significant milestone'
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