The future of advanced surgical operations undoubtedly lies in technology, and increasingly in using robotics for complicated surgical procedures. Therefore, it was a big moment for the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences (FMHS) when, in February 2022, the first operation using the newly acquired da Vinci Xi robot was performed at Tygerberg Hospital. Since then, dozens more operations have been successfully completed using this highly sophisticated system.
The da Vinci Xi is the most advanced surgical robot in Africa and one of only a few such robots in use on the African continent. It allows surgeons to operate remotely, using four dexterous “arms”, and is controlled in real time via an immersive 3D console. Tygerberg’s acquisition of the da Vinci Xi robot means that public sector patients have access to the best surgical technology available anywhere in the world.
In tandem with acquiring the robot, the FMHS developed a robotics training programme, with the aim of upskilling hospital surgeons and senior trainees in the use of modern surgical systems across multiple disciplines.
Training relating to the robot consists of three phases: firstly, developing basic coordination and skills; then in-service training on how to use the robot; and lastly hands-on surgical training.
Dr Tim Forgan, colorectal surgeon at Tygerberg Hospital and a lecturer at the FMHS, said the availability of the robot offers a valuable opportunity to show how a state hospital can function at a very high level. The system is being used across multiple platforms – in general surgery, urology, and gynaecology – offering wide-ranging procedures.
