Australian-first procedure provides cancer alternative

Epworth Richmond in Melbourne has become the first hospital in Australia to remove cancer in the throat using cutting-edge robotic imaging technology.

The da Vinci SP (single port) system allowed surgeons Dr Matthew Magarey and Professor Ben Dixon to see the cancer at the back of the patient's throat, using a high-resolution 3D camera.

Dr Magarey said the new robot meant patients in the early stages of cancer now had a surgical alternative to radiation therapy.

"Robotic-assisted surgery offers an efficient and minimally-invasive treatment option for suitable patients with tonsil or tongue-base cancer," he said.

"Surgery with robotic technology enables a magnified view of the tumour with precise, controlled movements to carefully remove the cancer while preserving other important structures in the throat.

"We have research that documents return-to-work times and we have shown that people assessed as suitable for surgery alone may return to work sooner, depending on individual circumstances."

Prof Dixon and Dr Magarey trained on the new machine in California at the start of November 2025 before the first surgery.

They expect to do about 50 operations on tongue, throat and tonsil cancers each year with the new robot – which represents a continuation of Epworth's status as a pioneer in adopting the latest medical technology in Australia.

Multi-port systems have played a key role in the duo's 12 years of robotic surgery at Epworth Richmond, and will continue to do so as they allow for precise procedures within the body.

However, the surgeons said the new single-port system offered more options to deliver the best outcomes for patients.

"The technology allows us better access to areas of the body that are otherwise very difficult to reach," Dr Magarey said.

"That extraordinary access, and the new camera, means we can see all the cancer and remove it with very fine movements."

As well as providing better access, the breakthrough technology of the new da Vinci SP can deliver complex surgery through just one tiny entry point into the patient's body.

Where traditional robotic systems involve the surgeon controlling four robotic 'arms' which make four incisions of around 8mm in diameter, the new machine requires just one incision of around 25mm in diameter.

Read more: Hi-tech new facility to elevate cancer care in Victoria

Read more: New arrival enhances diagnosis for Victorian patients

Next News And Innovation:
20/3/2026 New hip alternative offers greater mobility

Previous News And Innovation:
28/2/2026 $16 million expansion to meet rising demand in Sydney's south