ASHFORD HOSPITAL IS THE ONLY SOUTH AUSTRALIAN HOSPITAL TO OFFER TWO REVOLUTIONARY ROBOTIC TECHNOLOGIES.

The use of robotics in surgery is revolutionising medical care.  Robotics can allow surgeons to perform many types of operations with greater precision and control than is possible with conventional techniques.

Ashford Hospital is a centre of innovation and is proud to be the only hospital in South Australia offering patients access to two of the latest robotic technologies available: the da Vinci® Xi™ Surgical System and the Mako™ Orthopaedic Robotic-Arm System.

The da Vinci® Xi™ Surgical System is available for Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Surgery, General Surgery (including Bariatric and Colorectal Surgery), Gynaecology, Gynaecologic Oncology and Urology.

Dr Darren Tonkin is a General and Colorectal Surgeon.  He explains, “The da Vinci robot is an instrument that we as surgeons use to enable us to do minimally invasive surgery for patients where it may not be possible with standard laparoscopic surgery”.

The da Vinci robot allows for greater fine movement inside a patient’s abdomen through very small incisions.  Using four robotic arms, a surgeon can control a camera and perform precise movements, which is especially useful in complex surgery.

The Mako™ Orthopaedic Robotic-Arm System is available for Knee Replacements and Total Hip Replacements.

Orthopaedic Surgeon, Dr Daniel Mandziak, is greatly impressed; “I’ve been using the Mako Robot for joint replacement for several years now.  It felt like a natural progression for me. I have always used computer navigation and other technologies for my joint replacements, and when the Mako was available and released, I felt that it was the next evolution of technology to help me obtain better accuracy and outcomes for my patients”.

Dr Manziak adds, “Once a patient has decided to proceed with the hip or knee replacement, a special CT scan is obtained, which allows us to plan the joint in question.  Then during the operation itself, the anatomy of the patient’s joint is mapped and then matched to the plan. This can be changed, depending on the intraoperative findings.”

The da Vinci® Xi™ Surgical System and the Mako™ Orthopaedic Robotic-Arm System are operated fully under the surgeon’s control.  

Ashford Hospital is proud to offer advanced robotic technology.  This allows surgeons to operate with enhanced vision, precision, dexterity and control.  The leading-edge robotic technology delivers more precise movements through intuitive motion and ergonomic design, and a highly magnified view, virtually extending surgeons’ eyes and hands.

Ashford Hospital’s adoption of robotic technologies demonstrates a passion for excellence and a commitment to patient-focused care.

Visit Ashford Hospital’s Robotic Surgery site here.