Surgeons in Australia have performed a world-first procedure combining two advanced robotic systems – the da Vinci and Symani robots – to successfully treat a young patient with sarcoma.
St Vincent’s Hospital is the country’s largest not-for-profit provider of health and aged care services, and now home to a world-first procedure using two separate advanced robotic surgery systems.
Led by Professor Ben Dixon, director of ENT/Head and Neck Surgery, and plastic and reconstructive surgeon Mr Ed Morrison, the team successfully operated on a 27-year-old man who had a sarcoma in his throat, just above his voice box.
Medical professionals initially recommended a laryngectomy, permanently removing his voice box.
However, the dual robotic approach enabled preservation of the larynx, with complete tumour removal and no need for additional therapy.
This surgical milestone demonstrates the potential of integrating minimally invasive robotic systems to enhance precision in complex microsurgical interventions.
The da Vinci system facilitated precise internal incisions within the throat, minimising disruption to vital structures. The Symani robot allowed meticulous microsurgical repair of tiny vessels and tissues, crucial for restoring speech and swallowing.
Notably, SVHM is the first in Australia – and among only 19 centres globally – to deploy both the da Vinci and Symani systems concurrently.
These technologies have expanded surgical possibilities, particularly in head and neck, reconstructive and microsurgical procedures.
The success not only highlights advancements in surgical robotics but also underscores the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in advancing patient care.
The combined use of these systems has the potential for broader application across various complex surgical disciplines, promising improved outcomes, reduced patient morbidity and enhanced surgeon ergonomics.
This pioneering approach marks a significant step forward in robotic microsurgery, setting a benchmark for surgical centres worldwide seeking to leverage advanced robotics for improved oncological and reconstructive interventions.
