News

1st Single Site Robotic Assisted Sacrocoplopexy for Pelvic Floor Prolapse in Australia

Jun 13, 2014

Australia’s first single site robotic assisted Sacrocoplopexy for pelvic floor prolapse using state-of-the-art da Vinci robotic technology has been performed in Sydney at Westmead Private Hospital.

Helen Cowell of Camden was facing pelvic prolapse surgery, but she wanted to be up and about as quickly as possible, so when Dr Felix Chan - Gynaecologist at Westmead Private Hospital offered her this new type of surgery, she was quick to accept and she was delighted with her outcome and recovery.

Dr Chan was able to undertake the surgery with just a few small incisions instead of a large open incision. During the procedure, mesh is used to hold the affected pelvic organ(s) in their correct natural position. The da Vinci System features of a magnified 3D high-definition vision system and special wristed instruments that bend and rotate far greater than the human wrist, which enables such complex surgery to be undertaken with enhanced vision, precision, dexterity and control.

Dr Chan said ‘There are a number of benefits for the patient, including very little pain, less surgical trauma, less blood loss, and a much faster recovery time. Helen was discharged home 24hours after her procedure and was out shopping a week later”.

Following the procedure patients will have improved urinary, bowel and pelvic symptoms and sexual function. Helen was amazed at how quickly her recovery from the surgery was and a week post op she is virtually back to her old self again.

‘This is just another great example of the outstanding medical intervention which is being performed at Westmead Private Hospital as a true centre of surgical excellence’ said Tim Daniel, CEO of Westmead Private Hospital.