da Vinci robot continues to deliver Australian firsts at FSH

Fiona Stanley Hospital (FSH) has become the first public hospital in Australia to successfully perform four robotic-assisted radical prostatectomies (RARP) during a single operating list.

RARP is a minimally invasive keyhole surgery using the da Vinci robotic system treating prostate cancer.

While the national average is two RARP procedures per operating list, FSH routinely performs three and has now demonstrated the ability to safely complete four procedures in a single day using one robot and theatre team.

Fiona Stanley Fremantle Hospitals Group (FSFHG) Head of Robotic Surgery and Consultant Urologist, A/Prof Matthew Brown, said the achievement of performing four RARP was made possible thanks to the exceptional teamwork, careful planning and the dedication of staff across the hospital.

"Alongside pioneering innovations and surgical firsts, our team has achieved a level of efficiency in robotic prostatectomy that is leading the nation,” Matthew said.

"Completing four cases per day used to take a concerted effort with two full theatre teams and many ancillary staff. With careful planning and management support, we can now deliver this at FSH with just one robotic surgery team."

The list was completed by end of day, with patients discharged as early as the following morning and without the need to recover in the Intensive Care Unit.

FSH Perioperative A/Nurse Unit Manager – Operating Theatres and PACU, Kiara Azak, said robotic-assisted surgery is a contemporary, evidence-based approach that supports less invasive surgery and can help patients experience better postoperative recovery, including shorter hospital stays.

"It also supports more efficient surgical lists, improving access to theatre, increasing surgical capacity and helping reduce elective wait times," Kiara explained.

Fiona Stanley Fremantle Hospitals Group Executive Director, Luke Dix, said this achievement reflects the hospital’s commitment to delivering innovative, high-quality care for our community.

"Being the first public hospital in Australia to safely perform four robotic-assisted prostatectomies in a single operating list demonstrates how our teams are combining clinical excellence, collaboration and innovation to improve access to care for patients," Luke said.

"This milestone highlights the expertise of our staff and the strength of our robotic surgery program, and I look forward to seeing what more we can achieve together for our patients in the years ahead."

FSH became the first WA public hospital to offer the da Vinci robotic surgical system in 2018. Since then, FSH has delivered more than 1,800 robotic procedures across Urology, Upper GI, Cardiothoracic Surgery and Gynaecology, highlighting the growing capability of FSH's robotic surgery program.