Australian surgical first at St Andrew's Toowoomba Hospital

SURGEONS at St Andrew's Toowoomba Hospital have become the first in Australia to operate with 4K quality video cameras during keyhole surgery.

Dr David Morrisey at St Andrew's Hospital using the new 4K equipment for a sinus operation. Picture: Steve Ryan

SURGEONS at St Andrew's Toowoomba Hospital have become the first in Australia to operate with 4K quality video cameras during keyhole surgery. 

The hospital is the first in Australia to purchase the latest Olympus 4K Surgical System, which provides the highest quality images available for laparoscopic surgery.

The new surgical system, valued at over $250,000, delivers four times the detail of current high-definition imaging systems, providing surgeons with the image quality needed to operate more precisely and safely. 

In addition, the colour reproduction is remarkable, allowing greater accuracy, speed and precision.

Laparoscopic, or keyhole surgery, is the preferred (where possible) surgical technique that is used to examine or operate on a patient through small incisions in the body. 

A thin, lighted tube with a camera on the end is used to examine the internal organs or structures. 

Laparoscopic surgery has many benefits including fewer side effects and risks, along with a shorter recovery time than traditional surgery.

Dr David Morrisey, ear, nose and throat surgeon at St Andrew's Toowoomba, was one of the first surgeons to use the new 4K equipment.

"The 4K Olympus Visera system has provided vastly improved patient safety for people undergoing sinus and nasal surgery as it allows surgeons like myself, much better visualisation," he said.

"This enables more complete, safer and efficient surgery for those with nasal and sinus problems and greatly enhances their care." 

The new equipment has also been beneficial for the St Andrew's Hospital gynaecology surgical team. 

Local Toowoomba gynaecologist, Dr Brendan Miller explains how the new equipment has helped with gynaecological surgical techniques.

"The enhanced resolution enables smaller ports to be used without compromising vision," he said.

"Subtle endometriosis can be detected and removed leading to improved outcomes for infertility surgery.  Finer visual detail helps in using smaller sutures for laparoscopic suturing.

A spokeswoman for St Andrew's said the hospital sets the benchmark for regional hospitals, with its progressive technology focus and rapid expansion over the past 10 years to service the increasing demand from the region.

The hospital recently became the first hospital in the southern hemisphere to open a purpose-built, state-of-the-art ENDOALPHA 'blue glass' theatre.

Featuring Olympus 3D technology, the laparoscopic theatre allows surgeons to undertake precision keyhole surgery.

St Andrew's Toowoomba Hospital prides themselves on "leading the way" in healthcare. 

"The introduction of new surgical equipment that improves safety and accuracy is of high priority to St Andrew's Hospital," St Andrew's Hospital CEO Ray Fairweather said. 

"We have made significant investment in our surgical technology and facilities over recent years to ensure that patients in the region receive the very latest surgical treatment available.

"This significant milestone positions St Andrew's Toowoomba Hospital at the forefront of medical advancements."

Originally published as Australian surgical first at St Andrew's Toowoomba Hospital