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First robotic liver surgery performed at Peninsula Private Hospital

August 02, 2021

Peninsula Private Hospital is celebrating another medical milestone, with specialist surgeon Associate Professor Charles Pilgrim performing the region’s first liver resection using a surgical robot.

The surgical-first was performed earlier this month on a 49-year-old woman whose bowel cancer had spread to her liver. 

Associate Professor Pilgrim, who was the first surgeon in Victoria to use the da Vinci Xi robot for liver resections, said the cutting edge technology was great news for Peninsula Private Hospital. 

“Using the da Vinci Xi robot means we can perform surgery with the minimally invasive approach more often, expanding what is possible using the keyhole approach,” Dr Pilgrim said. 

“There are areas of the liver that you can get to with the robot that you just can’t get to with traditional laparoscopic surgery. The instruments give you more flexibility to give more precise directions in hard-to-reach areas,” he said. 

Peninsula Private Hospital Chief Executive Officer Michelle Henderson said it was wonderful the patient was able to receive all of her cancer treatment close to home, without having to travel into Melbourne for care. 

“We have a fantastic team of specialists here and this year we became the first in the region to offer patients access to the da Vinci Xi robot technology,” Ms Henderson said. 

“I think it’s significant that this patient could see Mr Stewart Skinner for her bowel surgery, oncologist Dr Simone Steel for her chemotherapy and A/Prof Charles Pilgrim for her liver surgery, all right here at Peninsula Private Hospital. 

“To have that continuity of care is something we’re really proud to bring to this region because we’re focused on providing locals with access to top medical care close to home”. 

The da Vinci Xi is designed to enhance a surgeon’s capabilities by providing improved control, precision and movements.  

For more information head to www.peninsulaph.com.au 

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