In 2024, the Monash Health Foundation received an incredibly generous donation of $4.2 million from a local family to purchase its first robotic surgical system.
As reported by Star News, the robot has now been installed at Casey Hospital and is making a huge impact in delivering world-class care for our patients undergoing urology surgeries – with plans to introduce its use into gynaecological, colorectal and other surgeries in the future.
The surgical robot translates a surgeon’s hand movements in real-time at a console positioned within the operating theatre, allowing them to perform the procedure with greater precision than in more traditional open surgical techniques.
The benefits of minimally invasive robotic surgical systems are impressive, with patients experiencing a reduced length of stay in hospital, shorter recovery times, lower risk of blood loss during surgery and a reduction in post-operative pain.
‘The results for our urology patients undergoing surgery with this technology so far have been outstanding,’ said Dr Scott Donnellan, Director of Urology at Monash Health.
‘Prostate cancer patients have had faster recovery times, no unplanned re-admissions, and, most importantly, early results are showing impressive cancer clearance rates, meaning a better cure.’
Beyond the immediate improvement in patient outcomes, the arrival of the surgical robot system will increase the number of urological laparoscopic surgeries the Monash Health Urology team can perform year on year, meaning patients will no longer need to venture away from Monash Health for treatment.
‘The positive impact this equipment will have on our surgical team and patients is immeasurable – supporting Monash Health and Casey Hospital to be leaders in healthcare innovation, patient care, and education for the next generation of surgeons training with us.’
Read more about the impact of the surgical robot in Star News