Knox Private marks 1000th robotic surgery, and an Australian first

25 November 2020

Healthscope’s Knox Private Hospital recently celebrated two key milestones, underscoring its reputation as a leading proponent of high-tech medical surgery.

Knox Private has been using robotic surgery techniques to improve patient outcomes for over six years, and the hospital recently celebrated its 1000th surgery performed using robotic technology.

Knox Private urologist Mr George Koufogiannis performed the surgery using the hospital’s da Vinci surgical robot to repair a patient’s obstructed kidney. Mr Koufonogiannis said the robotic technology has revolutionised urological surgery.

“From the ability to tackle far more complex renal tumours while still being able to spare the kidney, treat massively enlarged prostates, or undertake ureter and bladder reconstructions, robotic surgery has improved patient outcomes, with quicker recovery and a faster return to work/family life,” Mr Koufogiannis said.

Knox Private also recently marked another surgical first, performing the first surgery in Australia to use the Brainlab robot’s new Curve Navigation system. This new technology lets surgeons perform faster, more accurate and less invasive surgical procedures, giving patients a better post-operative experience and faster recovery times.

Knox Private neurosurgeon Mr Ron Jithoo conducted Australia’s first surgery using the Brainlab Curve Navigation technology, removing a joint and inserting titanium pins into a patient’s leg to relieve severe leg pain.

“By placing titanium pins in the bone and using the Curve Navigation for accurate placement through keyhole incision, the outcome will be relief of the leg pain and improving quality of life for the patient by allowing the resumption of driving, walking and gardening,” Mr Jithoo said.

Mr Jithoo said the introduction to Knox Private of the Brainlab Curve Navigation robot, along with other robotic surgery options, meant patients didn’t need to go to central Melbourne to receive state-of-the-art treatment.

“They have the option of advanced surgery with computer navigated guidance for a better outcome right at their door step.”

Knox Private’s General Manager Vincent Borg says the hospital has a proud history of adopting and embracing medical innovation to improve patient outcomes.

“We believe that pairing outstanding surgeons such as Ron Jithoo and George Koufonogiannis with leading-edge technology cements Knox Private’s reputation as a centre for surgical excellence, and gives our patients the best possible outcomes,” Mr Borg said.