Robotic Surgery

Robotic Surgery is a minimally-invasive surgical technique that involves the use of a computer to guide miniature instruments that are attached to robotic arms. The surgeon sits in the corner of the operating theatre and directs the movement of the robotic arms.

Referring to robotic surgery

Overview

Epworth HealthCare is an Australian leader in robotic surgery. We pioneered the use of the da Vinci® robotic system in 2003 for the first robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy in Australia, which took place at Epworth Richmond.

What are the benefits for patients?

Quicker return to normal activity
Less blood loss
Less scarring than other traditional open surgery
Lower blood transfusion rates
Lower risk of infection
Reduced surgical complications
Shorter hospital stay

Which procedures can be performed using the robot?

The most common procedure performed using the robot is the radical prostatectomy.

Other procedures using robotic assisted surgery include:

Anterior resection for rectal cancer
Hysterectomy
Heart valve surgery
Partial nephrectomy for kidney cancer
Radical cystectomy for bladder cancer
Selected head and neck cancers (trans-oral robotic surgery)

Australian Robotic Surgery Firsts at Epworth

First cardiac surgery in Australia using a robot
First hospital in Australia to install a dual-console robot for training
First hysterectomy in Australia using a robot
First radical cystectomy (bladder removal) using a robot
First radical prostatectomy in Australia using a robot
Robotic Surgical Specialties at Epworth

Referring to robotic surgery

Our patients are at the centre of everything we do.

Our Find a Doctor directory allows you to contact an Epworth accredited specialist for your GP to refer you to.

A referral from your GP, a Specialist or other health professional is required to access most Epworth services and some can be called directly by the patient including our Allied Health Clinic, GP Clinic, Men’s Health Clinic and Jean Hailes at Epworth Freemasons as well as our Breast Services, Epworth Sports and Exercise Medicine Group and Epworth HealthCheck.

Robotic surgery at Epworth Eastern

Epworth Eastern has a da Vinci Si robot that is used for urological procedures and gynaecology procedures.

Robotic surgery at Epworth Freemasons

Epworth Freemasons has the latest da Vinci Si robot, which is used for urological and gynaecological procedures.

Robotic surgery at Epworth Geelong

Epworth Geelong has the latest da Vinci robot, used for general, colorectal and urological procedures

Robotic surgery at Epworth Richmond

Epworth Richmond has Australia's first and only dual console robot. The second console is useful for training purposes. Robotic surgery at Epworth Richmond primarily focuses on cardiology and urology.