New era in surgical technology officially begins on the Central Coast

There was excitement in the air at Gosford Private Hospital this week as the facility ushered in a new era of innovative surgical technology, welcoming their first patient to experience the new $3.5m da Vinci Xi robot by Intuitive.

Conducted by Urologist Dr Edward Latif, the robotic surgical system assisted in the completion of a prostatectomy procedure, which involves the complete surgical removal of the prostate for cancer.

The da Vinci Xi surgical system assists surgeons to perform minimally invasive surgery with an advanced set of wristed instruments and a 3D high-definition view of the surgical field.

According to Dr Latif, who is highly skilled in utilising this new technology after being trained in the United Kingdom, the robot represents an exciting new way forward for surgery on the Central Coast.

“What we know with this robotic technology is that our patients experience far less pain associated with surgery, their recovery and outcomes are greater and more than 95% of patients go home on day one following the surgery,” Dr Latif said.

“I’m thrilled I can now complete a range of procedures at Gosford Private Hospital with this new robot technology, which offers greater precision, mobility and vision of the surgical site and anatomy.”

“It also protects against surgeon fatigue and for me, many of my surgeries moving forward will use this technology due to the positive outcomes it can provide for patients, whether it is for from kidney cancer surgery, partial or complete removal of tumors, or reconstructive bladder and kidney surgeries.”

Chief Executive Officer of Gosford Private Hospital and Healthe Care Australia Regional Manager Matt Kelly said the completion of the first da Vinci Xi system assisted surgery at Gosford Private Hospital heralded an incredibly exciting new milestone for the facility and its specialists.

“The installation of this new system is a significant investment in the skills and abilities of our local surgeons,” Mr Kelly said.

“We currently have more than 10, highly trained and skilled specialists who will be among the first to use this brand new robotic technology at Gosford Private Hospital.”

“We expect that list to grow as they complete their training and it is incredibly rewarding to know that we are supporting the growth and development of new skills in our talented, locally based specialists.”

“They’ll conduct surgical procedures in the specialties of Urology, General Surgery, Colorectal, Cardiothoracic, and Gynaecology.”

The specialist surgeon is in control of the robot at all times and through smaller instrument sizes, the da Vinci Xi, enables surgeons to operate through a few small incisions and the system comprises of a surgeon console, patient cart and vision cart.

According to Mark, 63, from Bateau Bay who was the first patient to experience the da Vinci XI at Gosford Private Hospital, he was pleased with the outcome and to be going home just a day after surgery.

“I am so grateful that Gosford Private Hospital has invested in this technology for patients so that members of our Central Coast Community can benefit from robotic-assisted surgery,” He said.

“It’s incredible to be the first patient at the hospital to undergo this new, cutting edge surgery and I’m even more thrilled that the fast recovery means I can go home less than 24 hours after surgery.

“No one ever wants to be in hospital or to experience surgery, but if you need to experience it, robotic-assisted surgery is definitely the way to go and I really do hope it helps many more people on the coast.”

One of the Central Coast’s most experienced, high volume keyhole cancer surgeons, Associate Professor Mark Louie-Johnsun said he is also excited about the da Vinci Xi’s first surgery.

“Our Central Coast community deserve world class health care and this new system is just further proof that residents need not travel to Sydney to experience industry leading surgical procedures,” Associate Professor Louie-Johnsun said.

“Our region already has had a reputation for delivering cutting edge, minimally invasive procedures and I’m looking forward to utilising the da Vinci robotic platform to further this.”

”In Urology, this technology has the potential to provide benefit for patients requiring prostate, kidney and bladder cancer surgery, particularly in complex kidney tumours where it can help us to remove the tumour whilst preserving the rest of the kidney with a minimally invasive approach.”

Robotic assisted surgery is no stranger to Buff Point local Danny, 61, who recently underwent a prostatectomy under the care of Dr Latif earlier in the year at Lingard Private Hospital in Newcastle.

“The only downside to my surgery was that I had to travel to get it done and the uncomfortable journey home, so it’s fantastic to see that this robotic-assisted surgery will now be open to the central coast community locally,” Danny said.

“I thoroughly researched the procedure and honestly I couldn’t recommend it more as while there were side effects, they were minimal and my recovery was so quick.”

“My advice is to consider all your options, you don’t have to accept what is being offered as there is amazing surgical options available out there just like the robot surgery I experienced.”

The da Vinci Xi system has been installed as part of the $32m Gosford Private Hospital re-development.

To learn more about our $32m Gosford Private Hospital re-development please visit: Gosford Private Hospital – Development Hits Milestone For Surgical…

To learn more about the robotic surgical technology possible as part of the da Vinci Xi, please visit: Intuitive Surgical | Our Brands (device.com.au)