Is the Robot doing my operation?
No, the robot is a modern, accurate tool that assists me to do the joint replacement. I control all facets of the work-up and surgical plan. The robot helps to carry out that plan with greater accuracy. However, I remain in control at all times.
Are there more risks with Robotic Surgery vs Traditional Surgery?
The normal surgical risks apply with robotic surgery. There are some guide pins that we need to insert into the bones, which is the only additional step. There are some advantages however, in that we don’t need to open up the canals of the long bones of the leg, which reduces some of the risks and often leads to less post-operative pain.
What are the benefits?
The benefits are that the robot allows a full surgical plan to be made in advance of the surgery, and this can be tested and adjusted before the first cuts are made. The robot then helps carry out the planned surgery with excellent accuracy.’
How long have you been doing Robotic Surgery?
Many years. I was an early adopter of robotic surgery when it came to Australia and I was amongst the first group of surgeons to learn the technique, having first seen it in action in the USA.
Will it change my recovery?
Recovery times are broadly similar. The advantage of robotic surgery is that it allows us to accurately carry out personalised kinematic alignment of the prosthesis, with the aim of getting the best functional result for patients.