Little Ivy Napiorkowski has made medical history as Australia’s youngest-ever robotic surgery patients – and she couldn’t be prouder.
The three-year-old from Weipa, on the Cape York Peninsula, underwent the high-tech procedure at Mater Private Hospital Townsville to correct a painful kidney problem.
The hospital is Australia’s leading centre for paediatric robotic surgery, with doctors using the $3.3m da Vinci system to perform minimally-invasive surgeries.
The system was purchased by the Mater Foundation, thanks to public donations, and is operated in partnership between Townsville University Hospital and Mater.
Mum April said Ivy’s pelviureteric obstruction – a blockage between the kidney and bladder – was detected by ultrasound before she was born.
“We were told the problem might correct itself, but it actually got worse,” Ms Napiorkowski said.
“It was causing infections and random pains in her back and that was when she was referred to Dr Janani Krishnan, who said robotic surgery would mean a much better recovery for Ivy.
“She was right – her recovery was awesome. She was walking the very next day and healed really fast.
“Instead of a big scar Ivy just has four little marks on her belly that she calls her ‘superpower spots’.
“Ivy knows all about her special operation – and she couldn’t be more proud of herself!”
The da Vinci XI surgical system provides surgeons with an advanced set of keyhole surgical instruments. Using highly magnified, 3D high-definition views of the surgical area, surgeons are able to perform complex procedures through small incisions.
As well as Dr Krishnan, Ivy’s care was supported Cairns urologist Dr Stefan Antonio and Townsville University Hospital staff.
Dr Krishnan said Ivy’s case went through extensive clinical governance checks before the record-breaking procedure was approved by Mater. She is the youngest of six children who have now undergone the robotic-assisted procedure in Townsville.
“Mater Private Hospital Townsville is the only centre in Australia performing regular paediatric surgery and Ivy’s operation was very successful,” Dr Krishnan said.
“She was out of hospital within a day and her pain was dramatically less than it would have been with traditional open surgery.”
Townsville Hospital and Health Service Chief Executive Kieran Keyes said Ivy’s surgery highlighted the strength of the partnership between the Townsville HHS and Mater Private Hospital Townsville.
“Successfully performing an advanced robotic procedure on a three-year-old is an extraordinary clinical achievement,” Mr Keyes said.
“It’s a testament to the skill of our surgical teams and the power of collaboration in delivering world-class care closer to home for north Queenslanders.”
Mater Foundation CEO Andrew Thomas thanked Mater donors for bringing robotic surgery technology to North Queensland.
“It’s wonderful to see youngsters like Ivy get back to full health – and its shows the difference that our supporters are making to patients in every corner of Queensland,” Mr Thomas said.
Little Ivy Napiorkowski with mum April and Dr Janani Krishnan
