State-first robot surgery in Perth

3/11/22

Patients with hernia problems can now access a breakthrough treatment at Hollywood Private Hospital in Perth.

Upper gastrointestinal surgeon Dr Laurence Webber and his team performed the first robotic ventral hernia repair in Western Australia in October 2022.

A ventral hernia occurs when abdominal contents, such as the bowel, protrude through a weak point of the muscle wall and cause symptoms such as pain and/or a lump in the abdomen. 

Thanks to the benefits of the da Vinci Xi system, patients can undergo minimally-invasive surgeries to repair such problems, resulting in less pain, shorter hospital stays and fewer complications.

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, which offers advanced robotic, computer and optical capabilities to assist surgeons. 

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.