Nepean Hospital celebrates 2000 robotic-assisted surgeries: A NSW public hospital first
For more than a decade Nepean Hospital has been at the forefront of robotic-assisted surgery, pioneering its use across a range of specialties.
From helping urologists perform prostatectomies, to assisting colorectal surgeons treat bowel cancer, and more recently supporting gynaecologists manage endometriosis, robotic technology is transforming care to improve patient outcomes and speed up recovery following complex surgeries.
For recent retiree, Graham Edwards, that promise of better outcomes couldn’t be truer as he underwent a robotic-assisted prostatectomy at Nepean Hospital in July, becoming the 2000th patient to benefit from the technology.
Living along the North Coast of NSW in Brushgrove, Graham and his specialist had spent years monitoring his prostate levels, however a higher-than-normal prostate specific antigen blood test prompted quick action and surgery was planned.
“It’s not the news you want to hear. I had a few mates who had their prostate removed and they spoke positively about getting the surgery - I just wanted it out,” explains Graham.
“I wasn’t nervous about the experience. I’d previously undergone minimally invasive surgery, and my biopsies and PET scans had shown nothing awry. Before I knew it, I was in and out of hospital, the surgery was successful and I only had to stay overnight.”
“It didn’t take me too long to get back to what I loved doing. I’m a bit of a hobbyist and was back working in mechanics. I even managed to get a few rounds of golf and fishing in as well,” Graham chuckles.
Graham’s rapid recovery is not uncommon. Since introducing robotic-assisted surgery in 2012, Nepean Hospital has seen the average length of stay for prostatectomy patients drop from 8 days to just 1.2 days.
Nepean Hospital is the first public hospital in NSW to mark the milestone of 2000 robotic-assisted surgeries performed. The driving force behind bringing robotics to the hospital, Professor Mohamed Khadra AO, Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District Director of Innovation and Strategy says the technology has revolutionised surgical practice.
“The technology has been remarkable. It offers a minimally invasive approach that leaves less trauma to the body. This is a significant shift from traditional open surgeries which often left patients with larger scars and much longer recovery times,” says Professor Khadra.
“With robotics, patients experience less pain, minimal blood loss and a reduced risk of infection, meaning they can return to their normal routines much sooner.”
Nepean Hospital’s prowess in robotics extends beyond the operating theatre. Its Centre for Robotic Surgery has earned worldwide recognition for education, training and research.
“Through our modular program we have trained over 60 proctors who, in turn, have taught more than 150 robotic surgeons.”
Professor Mohamed Khadra AO
“We are one of only two accredited training host sites for the European Urological Association (ERUS) program which certifies robotic surgeons. This prestigious accolade recognises the high standard of training delivered to registrars. It’s a huge feather in the cap for Nepean.”
This global recognition is also helping attract international fellows to work within the District, and build partnerships with leading institutions around the world.
“It’s a privilege to be able to share our expertise with surgeons across the globe. By training the next generation of superstar surgeons, we’re not only strengthening Nepean’s reputation as a leading tertiary institution but also ensuring patients everywhere benefit from advances in robotic surgery,” says Mohamed.