For specialist thoracic surgeon Dr Jazmin Eckhaus robots are now a key tool that help her perform complex surgeries with greater precision.
"Robotic surgery provides enhanced vision and control, which allows us to carry out intricate procedures with greater accuracy. It provides an extremely safe, minimally invasive option that is cosmetically sensitive and facilitates early return to normal activity" Dr Eckhaus says
In a significant advancement in patient care for Melbourne's eastern suburbs, Dr Eckhaus will begin performing robotic thoracic surgery at Epworth Eastern for the first time next month.
Thoracic surgery includes procedures on the lungs, the middle of the chest (mediastinum), the airway and the chest wall. Conditions as varied as lung cancer, pulmonary nodules, airway lesions, pleural effusions, thoracic outlet obstruction, and thoracic endometriosis can be treated using a robotic approach.
"Robotic surgery is minimally invasive, requiring only small access incisions. This results in less pain, excellent outcomes and enhanced recovery. Many patients are left with just three or four small scars. "Dr Eckhaus says.
"For example, patients with a lesion in the middle of their chest, sitting on the heart (anterior mediastinal mass), would traditionally spend at least a week in hospital after open chest surgery, which is highly invasive. But with a robotic procedure, patients are often discharged the next morning and can return to normal activities—whether it's golf, work, or caring for children.''
Epworth Eastern already use robots for urological, bariatric and colorectal surgery.
Dr Eckhaus says robotic surgery is continuing to advance, with increasingly complex procedures being performed successfully.
"For some operations, it should always be the default because of the improved optics and precision it provides,' she says.
"There are many exciting developments in robotic thoracic surgery, and I am focused on improving the quality of care and achieving the best possible surgical and oncological outcomes."
