Australian-first robot arrival benefits Epworth patients

Epworth HealthCare is the first health service in Australia to receive new state-of-the-art robotic-assisted technology that helps surgeons to perform complex procedures through small incisions.

The da Vinci 5 surgical system recently arrived at Epworth Freemasons in East Melbourne, adding to the hospital's existing da Vinci Xi system, providing patients and surgeons with greater access to modern surgical technology.

Like the Xi model, the da Vinci 5 has four robotic 'arms' with wristed movements that are precisely controlled by the surgeon through a console – like an extension of their hands.

Urologist Dr Sandra Elmer was the first Epworth surgeon to use the new machine, performing two robotic-assisted fascia lata sacral hysteropexies – a mesh-free surgical procedure for uterine prolapse that uses a patient's own tissue.

"From a surgical perspective, the da Vinci 5 system enabled smooth instrument movement and supported controlled, consistent manipulation of tissue during the procedures," Dr Elmer said.

"In addition, having direct control of insufflation helped to maintain a stable operative environment, while efficient instrument changeover and the manoeuvrability of the system supported workflow throughout the cases."

While the system helps surgeons, Dr Elmer said the technology's greatest benefit was for patients - with the minimally-invasive approach bringing reduced post-operative pain, smaller incisions and shorter recovery times.

"This next-generation technology provides an additional minimally-invasive surgical option for women requiring management of complex pelvic organ prolapse," she said.

"Being part of this Epworth milestone and contributing to ongoing technological development has been professionally rewarding, and I look forward to continuing this work as further evaluation is undertaken."

The new model delivers more computing power, higher-resolution 3D imaging, as well as a more ergonomic console for surgeons controlling the device.

It will be used in procedures across urology, gynaecology, thoracic, cardiac, colorectal, and general surgery at Epworth Freemasons.

Dr Elmer said the initial procedures using the da Vinci 5 also formed part of a Southern Hemisphere-first pilot clinical study.

"The study aims to explore the potential impacts of using biologic graft materials on patient outcomes," she said.

"In these procedures, I utilised AUSBIO cadaveric fascial grafts, which represents a shift from traditional approaches that typically rely on synthetic mesh or autologous grafts.

"The pilot clinical study has been made possible through the generous support of Epworth Medical Foundation, and I am extremely grateful for the commitment to advancing surgical care and research."

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