The Da Vinci Single Port delivers all surgical instruments through one single opening.
A new era in surgical procedures is underway at St Vincent’s Private Hospital in Sydney, where the Da Vinci Single Port surgical robot is transforming operating theatres. This advanced technology utilizes a single robotic arm to perform complex surgeries with remarkable precision. Unlike traditional robotic systems that require multiple incisions, the Da Vinci Single Port allows all instruments to be introduced through one small opening, significantly reducing trauma and accelerating recovery times for patients.
Surgeons at St Vincent’s are now employing this innovative robot for intricate cancer surgeries, positioning the hospital at the forefront of minimally invasive medical procedures. Urologist Dr Benjamin Namdarian highlighted the technology’s capabilities, likening its maneuverability to that of an octopus. “Typically, keyhole surgery is just straight lines, but this expands internally,” he explained. The robot’s instruments articulate and bend within the body, offering surgeons enhanced visual and operational control while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues.
One of the first patients to benefit from this technology is David Scambary, a 64-year-old who recently underwent surgery to remove his cancerous prostate. Remarkably, just 24 hours post-surgery, he was preparing to return home. Scambary described his experience, stating, “Much easier than I expected. I thought it would be a lot more pain, and I didn’t think I’d recover anywhere near as quickly.” His single, small incision starkly contrasts with the multiple cuts typically required for prostate surgery.
Scambary’s diagnosis stemmed from a routine blood test that indicated elevated PSA levels. Following further tests and a biopsy that confirmed cancer, doctors recommended the new robotic surgical option. Initially apprehensive, detailed discussions with his medical team instilled confidence in him. “The best option seemed to be the new single port radical prostatectomy,” he said. “It would be less invasive, and the recovery would be quicker.”
The surgery was performed by Professor Phillip Stricker, a pioneer in robotic surgery in Australia, who has conducted robotic prostatectomies for over two decades. Even he was impressed with the outcomes, noting, “I was expecting a little bit of improvement with one hole compared to six, but I was impressed. Scambary was ready to go home the next day.” Stricker emphasized that the technology represents a significant advancement, reducing invasiveness and trauma while improving patient outcomes.
St Vincent’s stands out as only the second hospital in Australia to utilize the Da Vinci Single Port system, following a facility in Victoria. It is noteworthy that St Vincent’s will be the sole hospital in the country employing this technology across multiple specialties, including ear, nose, throat, colorectal, and thoracic surgery. Recently, the hospital achieved a Southern Hemisphere-first, executing a complex procedure to remove a kidney, ureter, and part of the bladder through a single incision.
Dr Namdarian, who led this pioneering operation, explained the procedure: “We’ve been able to perform what’s called a nephroureterectomy, so that’s where we remove the whole kidney and also the ureter as it travels down to the bladder, taking part of the bladder, all through one incision.” He added that historically, such operations would have necessitated multiple incisions or a combination of keyhole and open surgery, leading to longer recovery times.
The feedback from patients has been overwhelmingly positive, with Dr Namdarian noting that patients experience minimal pain and can often return to their normal activities the same day. “They’re up and about the same day, and we can achieve the same results in terms of removing that cancer,” he stated.
While the Da Vinci Single Port technology has been in use overseas for several years, its introduction in Australia signals a pivotal moment in surgical practices. “It’s incredible technology and really great for our patients,” Dr Namdarian concluded, highlighting the potential benefits for future surgical procedures in the country.
