A major boost for Springfield patients has arrived with the da Vinci 5 robotic surgical system offering world-class care closer to home.
Mater Private Hospital Springfield was the first hospital in Queensland to receive the $4.2 million cutting edge robot – allowing surgeons to perform complex, minimally invasive keyhole surgery for gynaecology, urology, cardiothoracic and general operations.
Gynaecologist Dr Ivana Rizzuto was the first surgeon to use the state-of-the-art medical technology on patients, with three of her patients choosing to delay their operations until the robot was available to support their surgeries.
“As soon as they realised that we were having the Da Vinci 5 at Springfield, they waited,” said Dr Rizzuto.
“I suspect we will see a growing number of patients coming to Mater because of this robot.
“It will help lots of women – their recovery time will be quicker, they will be able to have their surgery in a day and go home.”
The da Vinci 5 was delivered to Mater Private Hospital Springfield thanks to Mater Foundation and the generous donations from the community.
Mum-of-two Bronwyn Wottom was the very first patient to undergo a procedure – a robotic hysterectomy.
“It's kind of exciting – it's good to know that the recovery time is a lot less than the traditional methods,” said Ms Wottom.
“It reduces the impact on our family life. My husband doesn't have to take as much time off work to manage the kids and then I'm able to get back to doing my usual duties a bit quicker.”
The advanced technology allows less invasive surgery, which can result in less pain for patients and a faster recovery, cutting down hospital stays.
“The discharge will be quicker and less expensive,” said Dr Rizzuto.
“We will also be able to do surgeries for patients that we were not able to before because of their BMIs.
“So, instead of doing a minor surgery for a disease like pre-cancer cells, we are now able to offer surgery for them with hysterectomy straight away despite a BMI being high.”
Operated by a surgeon, the robot provides 3D visualisations to help perform complex procedures.
The system also features a “telepresence capability” that allows surgical peers from right across the globe to tune into live-streamed procedures remotely.
“The surgeon will operate in the same room but in a console and will review with the camera – which has an excellent view,” said Dr Rizzuto.
“The advantage now with the new technology is if we want advice from another specialist, we will be able to access that, which is amazing because we'll offer more centred and evidence-based care to our patients.”
Mater surgeons and staff trained extensively with the system over the past few months to ensure they were ready to go for the first operations on September 21.
Mater Private Hospital Springfield General Manager Suzanne Hawksley thanked Mater Foundation and its supporters for making the da Vinci investment possible.
“Mater is committed to bringing high-quality and advanced medical care closer to the western corridor community,” Ms Hawksley said.
“The da Vinci 5 system delivers significant benefits for patients and we’re delighted to be the very first hospital in Queensland to take delivery of this exciting technology.”
