Mako Robot joins Epworth Eastern to improve orthaepedic surgery

THEY’RE not just in factories making your furniture and appliances — now they’re in hospitals helping to remake your body parts. Robots have officially stepped in to help surgeons operate with greater precision and planning at a Box Hill hospital.

THEY”RE not just in factories making your furniture and appliances — now they’re in hospitals helping to remake your body parts.

Robots have officially stepped in to help patients in Melbourne’s east.

The first surgery in the region assisted by a robot was performed at Eastern Epworth in Box Hill last week.

Orthopaedic surgeon Mr Jim Kiellerup carried out a full knee replacement using the Mako Robot.

ROBOT TRANSPLANT SUCCESS

ROBOT ON CUTTING EDGE OF SURGERY

Epworth Eastern executive director Louise O’Connor said the hospital was very excited to have the robot join the team, and as a result the hospital could provide all available surgical techniques on offer within the orthopaedic specialty.

She said the hospital already had many more cases lined up for the Mako Robot to assist with surgeries.

Mr Jim Kiellerup performed Epworth Eastern’s first surgery with the Mako Robot.

The device is able to be used in partial knee to total knee replacements and total hip replacements.

The surgeon uses the Mako Robotic-arm to pre-plan the surgery, then guides the robotic-arm within the predefined area during the operation.

The robot helps the surgeon to stay within the planned boundaries.

Ms O’Connor said the robot also allowed the surgeon to change the plan during the surgery, if needed.

“Because everybody’s anatomy is different,” she said.

Ms O’Connor said the guidance of the robot meant the surgeon could achieve accurate cuts more easily.

UNITED EFFORT SAVES GRANDMA’S LIFE

BOX HILL LAND SWAP LEADS TO JOBS BOOM

“Precise cutting is better for post operative mobilisation,” she said.

Ms O’Connor said it reduced the soft tissue trauma inflicted by the operation, leading to less swelling and bleeding and patients being able to get back on their feet more quickly.