The healthcare industry is continuously trying to improve
its methods in order to make them more effective, accurate and reliable for
those it is treating. So, in our increasingly technological world, it only
makes sense that truly revolutionary innovations will find their way into our
surgical rooms. For many years, the concept of robotic surgery tools has been
discussed within the healthcare industry, however it has recently grown from a
seemingly distant concept to an exciting reality.
Sydney’s Royal Prince Alfred Hospital has launched the
country’s first
robotic surgery training centre, where it plans to train an estimated 400
surgeons per year using top of the range technology. The goal of their Surgery
and Robotics Training Institute is to teach surgical professionals how to
perform less invasive procedures using remote-controlled robotic arms. This
technology can perform a range of complex procedures with unparalleled
accuracy, reducing the risks that naturally come along with surgery.
While the use of these machines in Australia is not new –
they have been used for mitral valve surgeries and prostatectomies for many
years until now surgeons were forced to travel to the U.S to undergo training
and develop the required skills. Naturally, this hindered the development of
implementing such a beneficial technology throughout the country. Since
hospitals were forced to spend so much money and resources training their
staff, the cost of undergoing a robotic surgery was very high. Now, with the
opening of the new RPA centre, the cost is predicted to be driven down as the
training will be more accessible to medical professionals throughout the
country.
As with most innovative technology, it’s difficult to
predict when robotic surgery will become the norm in hospitals throughout
Australia. The robot used to train surgeons in the RPA institute is estimated
to cost around $4 million, however there will be a symposium in late June to
discuss further details about this innovative use of technology.
Regardless of when robotic arms become the norm in surgical
rooms, one thing is for sure; when technological innovation and healthcare
intersect, it produces truly amazing results.
