Weipa girl, 3, makes history as Australia’s youngest robotic surgery patient

Little Ivy Napiorkowski has made medical history as Australia’s youngest-ever robotic surgery patient.

April Napiorkowski with 3-year-old Ivy at Mater Private Hospital in Townsville

Little Ivy Napiorkowski has made medical history as Australia’s youngest-ever robotic surgery patients.

The three-year-old from Weipa, on Cape York Peninsula, has undergone the hi-tech procedure to correct a painful kidney condition in what has been called “an extraordinary clinical achievement”.

The operation was carried out at the Mater Private Hospital Townsville – Australia’s leading centre for pediatric robotic surgery, with doctors using the $3.3m da Vinci system to perform minimally-invasive surgeries.

The system was bought by the Mater Foundation and is operated in partnership between Townsville University Hospital and Mater.

Ivy’s mother April said the child’s pelviureteric obstruction – a blockage between the kidney and bladder – was detected by ultrasound before she was born.

“We were told the problem might correct itself but it actually got worse,” Ms Napiorkowski said.

“It was causing infections and random pains in her back.”

Ivy was referred to pediatric surgeon Janani Krishnan, who said robotic surgery would mean a much better recovery for Ivy.

Pediatric surgeon and urologist Dr Janani Krishnan

“She was right,” Ms Napiorkowski said.

“Her recovery was awesome. She was walking the very next day and healed really fast.

“Instead of a big scar Ivy just has four little marks on her belly that she calls her ‘superpower spots’.

“Ivy knows all about her special operation – and she couldn’t be more proud of herself.”

As well as Dr Krishnan, Ivy’s care was supported by Cairns urologist Stefan Antonio and Townsville University Hospital staff.

Townsville Hospital and Health Service chief executive Kieran Keyes said Ivy’s surgery highlighted the strength of the partnership between the Townsville HHS and Mater.

“Successfully performing an advanced robotic procedure on a three-year-old is an extraordinary clinical achievement,” Mr Keyes said.

“It’s a testament to the skill of our surgical teams and the power of collaboration in delivering world-class care closer to home for north Queenslanders.”

Dr Krishnan said Ivy’s case went through extensive clinical governance checks before the record-breaking procedure was approved by Mater.

She is the youngest of six children who have now undergone the robotic-assisted procedure in Townsville.

“Mater Private Hospital Townsville is the only centre in Australia performing regular pediatric surgery and Ivy’s operation was very successful,” Dr Krishnan said.