Robotic surgery advances at St John of God Murdoch Hospital

Two St John of God Murdoch Hospital surgeons have had the opportunity to perform state-first procedures using the da Vinci XI Surgical System, which enables surgeons to carry out minimally invasive surgeries, offering patients the benefits of reduced pain and recovery time in hospital and at home.

19 May 2021

St John of God Murdoch surgeons Mr Abe Jacobs and Dr Raj Mohan are pioneering robotic surgery in WA, both performing state-first surgeries in 2021 with the new da Vinci XI Surgical System.

St John of God Murdoch Hospital Dr Raj Mohan and his surgical team

With a large focus on women’s health, Dr Mohan is the only surgeon in Western Australia performing gynaecological oncology robotic surgery.

“We are now looking at its [da Vinci robot] use in women’s health and the advancement it can make in difficult complex gynaecological surgery,” Dr Mohan said.

“Using the da Vinci robot is all about progress in our field and to constantly be looking towards new and more precise solutions."

Uterine cancer is the most diagnosed gynaecological cancer in Australia, with risk of diagnosis sitting at 1 in 40 by 85 years old, making these technological advancements crucial.

Mr Abe Jacobs performed a state-first robotic colorectal surgery and now performs regular bowel resections and rectal prolapse procedures in cancer and non-cancer patients.

Mr Jacobs said the jump from keyhole to robotic surgery was huge and is thrilled to be leading the way in WA.

“It is new technology which has been around for at least a decade in the colorectal space in the eastern states. It is about time it is offered in WA,” Mr Jacobs said.

St John of God Murdoch Hospital Dr Abe Jacobs and his surgical team

The da Vinci XI Surgical System has the ability to undergo safer and more complex surgeries.

“The main focus is for people to have safe and effective surgery. The robot has many proven advantages, including some benefits with laparoscopic surgeries,” he said.

“Being the first colorectal robotic surgeon in WA is a huge milestone and hopefully it will be introduced into other hospitals soon."

The da Vinci XI Surgical System, which arrived at St John of God Murdoch Hospital in late 2019, was first used for gastrointestinal and bariatric surgery cases.

Mr Jacobs and Dr Mohan will join forces on future cases, with the hope to focus on gynaecological malignancies involving the bowel and cannot be performed via keyhole surgery.

“We are working together and looking at the possibility of a combination robotic case, combining a colorectal and gynaecology surgeon, as well as a urologist, in serious cases. It is a unique combined surgical opportunity that will deliver some exciting medical advances,” Mr Jacobs said.

Both Mr Jacobs and Dr Mohan will continue performing robotic surgery at St John of God Murdoch Hospital throughout the year, working up to more complex and frequent cases.

Photos:

Top right: L-R Keith Sargent, Professor Martin Oehler, Mini Nelson, Dr Nikki Damen, Dr Raj Mohan, Susan Paul, Rainee Restrepo, Sony Abraham, Dr Joel Butler

Bottom right: L-R Mr Abe Jacobs, Dr Darren Tonkin, Dr Nikki Damen, Mini Nelson, Dr Michael Mui, Lauren Sigon, Jan Griffith, Raymund Ganir