A new robotic system, launched at Groote Schuur Hospital last week, can be used to perform surgery for a wide range of complicated health conditions, improving outcomes for patients.
Surgeons can use the da Vinci Xi surgical system’s robotic arms to make more precise movements and smaller incisions, and its cameras will deliver 3D images.
“This new technology allows surgeons to perform many types of complex procedures with more precision, flexibility and control than is possible with conventional techniques,” said the hospital’s robotic-surgery coordinator Samkele Salukazana.
Groote Schuur Hospital Chief Executive Bhavna Patel said: “This particular system is the first of its kind being used in Africa, and we are the first public-sector hospital to start robotic surgery in South Africa.
“We are proud to be able to offer our patients the benefits of these new techniques that lessen operating time, complications and hospital stay, with a quicker recovery time – all in all, a better experience pre and post operation.”
Health MEC Nomafrench Mbombo said patients could return home sooner because of the new system, making it easier for the hospital to cope with its Covid-19 burden.