KZN’s first surgical robot of its kind launched at hospital in uMhlanga
The groundbreaking technology was welcomed by all who attended the launch last week.
A DURBAN hospital, Busamed Gateway, is the first in KwaZulu-Natal to utilise the Da Vinci XI surgical robot, making procedures less invasive, reducing post-operative pain and contributing to quicker recovery.
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The installation was due to a partnership between Busamed Private Hospital, EASE South Africa and Medhold.
At a launch held in uMhlanga last Wednesday, doctors welcomed the machine to the hospital, saying they foresee robotic surgery taking off in the country in the near future. The robot will be used for urological, colorectal, gastrointestinal and gynecological procedures.
Dr Zaheer Moolla, a general surgeon and surgical gastroenterologist, said that although there are a few robotic systems being used in operating rooms in the country, the Da Vinci Surgical Robot is the Rolls Royce of robots, and Busamed specifically wanted to acquire this particular model.
“The benefits to the patient is that surgery is minimally invasive, there is less post-operative pain so patients don’t need many opioids, and it promises shorter hospital stays. There are benefits to the surgeon, as well. Surgeons spend hours at a time, several times a week, operating on patients. With the Da Vinci XI robot, surgeons can sit down while operating which prolongs the surgeons’ longevity,” he said.
Moolla added that although there were only two surgical robotics used in public hospitals in the Western Cape, he foresees the technology being used more in the state sector all over South Africa.
Urologist Dr Mike Nicholls congratulated Busamed Gateway on the milestone.
“Well done to Busamed for introducing the Da Vinci to the hospital. I hope it is the beginning of many more to come and that this momentum flows through to our colleagues, as well,” he added.
Also in attendance at the launch was eThekwini Municipality mayor Cyril Xaba who welcomed the ground-breaking advancement.
“This technology will bring renewed hope and comfort to patients. It also sends out a strong message to all that we are now at a critical point in the digital revolution,” said Xaba.
The event also marked the official launch of EASE® South Africa’s business operations in the country.
“The installation of the state-of-the-art Da Vinci XI surgical robot at the Busamed Private Hospital in Gateway showcases a milestone in South African healthcare as it is the first surgical robot in KZN. This cutting-edge technology aims to revolutionise patient care through improved surgical outcomes. EASE® South Africa’s pay-per-use model enabled Busamed Group to acquire the robotic surgical technology, widening access to quality care in KZN,” said EASE® CEO Imraan Soomra.
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