A state-first brings new edge in minimally invasive surgery

MedTech News: Hernias occur in both males and females, however they are most common in men. According to Australian statistics, about one man in every 20 will develop a hernia at some point in his life.

Upper gastrointestinal surgeon Dr Laurence Webber and his team at Hollywood Private Hospital performed the first robotic ventral hernia repair in Western Australia.

Dr Webber, who was supported by general surgeon Dr Josh Salim, anaesthetist Dr Ted Velzaboer, nursing and anaesthetic staff, said he also hoped to introduce robotic liver and pancreas surgery to Western Australia’s largest private hospital. 

“The team regularly undertake major urological surgery and is more than capable of expanding this service to include major Upper GI resections and complex abdominal wall procedures,” Dr Webber said. 

Hollywood Private was the first hospital in the state to invest in the da Vinci Xi Surgical System, supplied by Device Technologies, which offers advanced robotic, computer and optical capabilities to assist surgeons. Patients can undergo minimally-invasive surgeries resulting in less pain, shorter hospital stays and fewer complications.

CEO Andrew Tome said the technology would ensure patients had access to the latest treatments.

“Supporting our surgeons to improve their skills and procedures is a priority for Hollywood to help us provide the best possible health outcomes for patients,” he said. 

In Australia, the cost of the da Vinci Xi platform is an estimated $3.9 million in addition to consumable costs of $1,848 per operation and a service cost of $621,245 for a 3‐year contract. Device Technologies has enjoyed a monopoly, although the introduction of new robotic systems into the market has the potential to alter the health economic landscape. As competition from newer robotic systems drives cost down, it is conceivable that robust evidence will be important in overcoming barriers to adoption.

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