The Ramsay Way 2016 | 03 13 Milestone 300th Robotic Surgery procedure for John Flynn John Flynn Private Hospital achieved a milestone in July 2016, performing its record 300th robotic surgical procedure. As a centre of surgical excellence, John Flynn Private Hospital proudly offers da Vinci robotic technology and surgical options to patients via highly skilled surgeons and their medical teams. The da Vinci Si Surgical System was installed in 2013, enabling surgeons to provide patients with superior minimally invasive surgical options. While Urologists were the first to utilise the da Vinci Surgical System in the advanced treatment of prostate cancer, other specialists such as Gynaecologists, General and Bariatric Surgeons, Colorectal Surgeons and Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeons, quickly saw the advantages for their patients and have since successfully adopted the technology. L to R: Dr Sam Dowthwaite, ENT Surgeon and Dr John O’Neill, ENT Surgeon with the robot. New plantar plate repair technique performed at Warringal Private A technique never before performed in Australia to repair Plantar Plate injuries is being introduced by Mr Troy Keith, an orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeon based at Warringal Private Hospital. Mr Keith says Plantar Plate tears usually result from repetitive overload, with tears more common in women than men, thought to be related to footwear, and also often seen in distance runners. Structurally, the plantar plate itself is made up of a fibrocartilaginous tissue, a continuation of the plantar fascia with the long flexor tendons to the toes seen passing underneath it. The plantar plate itself is only 2–3 mm thick, however it plays an important role with the metatarsal head resting upon it. The second toe commonly is most affected, however plantar plate injuries can affect any of the lesser toes. “The majority of plantar plate injuries settle with non-operative treatment. However, ongoing pain and a failure of conservative management is an indicator that surgery may be of benefit,” he said. Among the problems that plantar plate injuries untreated may lead to include toe deformities such as crossover toe or hammer toe, generalised synovitis, decreased flexor strength and arthritic change of the joint. Advancements in surgical technique and technology have led to the development of plantar plate repair systems using a dorsal approach. The HAT-TRICK device provides this and has the additional benefit of allowing for the repair of the collateral ligaments adjacent to the plantar plate using specially designed suture passing needles. Mr Keith’s Foot and Ankle fellowship experience in the UK, provided him with opportunity to be trained in how to use the HAT TRICK plantar plate repair system. From his experience, the major benefit of this system is that it provides a viable technique to address re-tension both the plantar plate and collateral ligaments seperately. Hollywood Private Hospital introduces Outpatient Allied Health Services On Monday 8 August, Hollywood Private Hospital introduced a new outpatient service: Hollywood Allied Health Services. The service will initially deliver tailored outpatient therapy and programs for patients following their discharge from Hollywood. Patients will have access to a range of Allied Health services including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, exercise physiology, speech pathology, dietetics and social work. After an initial trial period, a review will be conducted to gauge whether it can be offered to a wider customer base. Developed by the hospital’s Allied Health team over the past six months, the service is based in the inpatient rehabilitation ward. Director of Clinical Services, Karen Gullick, said, “Patients who have been discharged from Hollywood and choose to access the service will receive the added benefit of continuing their care as an outpatient with Hollywood’s team of Allied Health professionals.” “This exciting new initiative will help to grow Hollywood’s range of outpatient services and further reinforce our commitment to delivering excellence in patient care.” “It will be wonderful to see the service develop over the coming months. Based on the commitment of our Allied Health team and the initial feedback from our patients, I am sure it will be a great success.” HOSPITAL NEWS Physiotherapist, Ciara Sheils, assisting an outpatient . HAT TRICK plantar plate repair system. Orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeon Mr Troy Keith. John Flynn theatre staff and surgeons celebrating the 300th robotic procedure.
The Ramsay Way - 03 - 2016
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