Philanthropy Powers Robotic Surgery Upgrade at Freemasons

Photo: Chris Hastings, Head Theatre Technician, with the da Vinci robotic surgical system in the upgraded robotic theatre at Epworth Freemasons.

The theatre team at Epworth Freemasons was excited to officially open an upgraded robotic theatre, with thanks to the generosity of our donors. Since bringing robotic surgery to Australia in 2003, Epworth continues to be a leader and innovator of robotic surgery in Australia across specialities including neurosurgery, urology, colorectal, gynaecology and orthopaedics.

As demand for robotic surgery at Epworth Freemasons increases, the need to transform an existing theatre into a dedicated, state-of-the-art robotic theatre became crucial.

Scott Bulger, Epworth Medical Foundation Executive Director said the upgraded theatre demonstrates the immense impact that philanthropy has on the lives of our patients.

“It is thanks to the generosity of our wonderful donors that Epworth has been, and continues to be, at the forefront of ground-breaking robotic surgery,” he said. “It can’t be understated how important the support of our donors is for surgeons and patients to get access to new technologies and improved facilities”.

Streamlined connectivity

The upgrade, which was entirely funded by philanthropy, includes seamless connectivity between Epworth’s hero da Vinci robotic surgical system and two brand new monitors which can be positioned anywhere in the theatre.

Associate Professor Satish Warrier, Colorectal and General Surgeon, operates in the theatre regularly and praised the new configuration.

“This vital connectivity ensures the surgical team can view and share high-resolution images within the theatre - in real time - and make decisions about the next steps in a procedure immediately.

“In complex cases, we’re often using multiple types of technology at the same time, such as a robotic system to perform the surgical tasks and an endoscopic system to provide additional visuals from different angles,” he said.

“From a surgeon’s perspective, having a multipurpose theatre that supports the use of these systems simultaneously, and provides detailed information that helps us make informed decisions on the next treatment steps, helps us deliver the best possible patient outcomes.

Fewer complications and faster recovery

Associate Professor Warrier was an early adopter of robotic surgery and highlights smaller wounds, fewer complications and less blood loss as huge advantages of robotic procedures.

“You’re getting patients in and out of hospital promptly,” he said. “Some patients can go home in two days, where historically, they would have spent a week in hospital. It also has a huge impact on elderly patients who may not cope as well with open surgery,’ he said.

He recalled a patient he operated on in their nineties.

“For some of my patients who are frailer or have multiple health complications minimally invasive surgery using the robotic technology is often preferred as it puts less stress on the body compared to open surgery.”

Room to move

Amber Stanley, Associate Director Perioperative Services at Epworth Freemasons said, the upgraded robotic theatre provides surgeons with a modern, spacious environment.

“Surgical robots are huge pieces of equipment, traditionally taking up large areas of a theatre. The new connective technology that was installed eliminates the need for multiple towers and leads within the theatre, which means there is more space for the surgical team to move around easily and access the equipment they need, as quickly as possible. This helps improves the flow and duration of the surgery, which is, ultimately, better for our patients,” she said.

21 years ago, Epworth Richmond was the first hospital in the Asia-Pacific region to perform an operation using a surgical robot. The upgraded theatre ensures our hospitals are well equipped to continue to lead robotic surgery, well into the future.

Photo: Scott Bulger, Epworth Medical Foundation Executive Director, and Jo Goodridge, Epworth Freemasons Executive General Manager, pictured in the newly upgraded theatre with Amber Stanley, Associate Director Perioperative Services and Health Clinics, Chris Hastings, Head Theatre Technician and Rebecca Eager, Nurse Unit Manager, Anaesthetics/Post Anaesthetic Care Unit.

To learn more about the impact of philanthropy at Epworth, visit News and Stories.