Ramsay Newsroom

The young woman had the surgery at Sunshine Coast University Private Hospital (SCUPH) this week and was able to return home the following day, thanks to the minimally invasive nature of the procedure.

Traditionally, bowel resection would be done via an open surgery (or laparotomy) requiring a hospital stay of up to two weeks.

Robotic and Colorectal Surgeon, Dr Kareem Marwan, performed the first such surgery on the coast, after performing almost 300 robotic procedures when based in Melbourne. 

“In robotic surgery, we make small incisions, similar to keyhole surgery, and use the surgical robot to translate the surgeon’s hand movements very precisely to the end of the instruments,” Dr Marwan explained. 

“The surgeon operates at a 3D-enabled console with ten times magnification and a very stable optical platform. It’s very precise, delicate and timely. Robotic surgery is designed to help enable a quicker recovery, with most patients able to return home within 48 hrs of their bowel resection.”

Robotic bowel resection can be used to treat bowel cancer, inflammatory bowel disease and for advanced or complicated cases of diverticular disease.

Dr Marwan said he was excited to be joining the team at SCUPH and offering this new procedure to communities in and around the Sunshine Coast. 

“It is absolutely a delight to be part of this milestone on the Sunshine coast. Having state-of-the-art technology available in our own backyard is great for the community,” Dr Marwan said.

SCUPH Acting CEO, Samantha Dodd, said hospital operator Ramsay Health Care was committed to investing in leading technology and specialists for the communities of the Sunshine Coast. 

“By investing in state-or-the-art surgical technology, we’re able to offer Sunshine Coast locals access to modern procedures, close to home. Having procedures locally can help relieve stress on the patient as well as their family and friends,” Ms Dodd said. 

“Leading robotic technology, along with our $10 million operating theatre upgrade that’s underway, has also helped us attract some of the countries best doctors to the Sunshine State.”