Cape Town - A Robotic Surgery Indaba providing advanced surgical services to state patients has taken focus at Groote Schuur Hospital this Mandela Week.
The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness, together with Groote Schuur Hospital, the Groote Schuur Hospital Trust (GSH Trust), and strategic funding partner Medhold, have partnered to showcase their pioneering work in robotic surgery, featuring the advanced Da Vinci surgical robot, until Friday.
The week-long indaba that kicked off on Monday will provide 10-12 complex surgical procedures across various disciplines, including urology, colorectal, hernia and gynaecological surgeries.
The operations aim to offer advanced, minimally invasive surgical care, enhancing surgeons’ skills and experience, offering benefits like reduced pain, faster recovery, and lower complications risk, limited in the public sector.
Executive director of GSH Trust, Kristy Evans, said: “We are excited to showcase this technology and highlight the critical need for advanced surgical technology, which has been shown to improve surgical outcomes and training. With Medhold’s support, we can continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in public health care, ensuring that our patients receive world-class treatment.”
One of the patients who benefited from the robotic surgery initiative, Geraldene Hendricks, said she was nervous and excited about the robotic programme, as she could not afford private surgery.
“The recovery process takes about six to eight weeks, with less blood. I think that is the best thing, as normal surgery takes months for you to heal,” Hendricks said.
Groote Schuur Hospital’s CEO, Dr Shaheem de Vries, said the initiative underscored the increasing importance of private-public partnerships in the current funding climate.
“By working together, we can overcome financial constraints and continue to provide innovative health care solutions to those who need it most,” De Vries said.
The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness previously reported that the machines were purchased at a combined cost of R80 million in 2021.
The department also said the machines were part of efforts to strengthen the health care system and were crucial to the Western Cape’s ability to keep abreast of advancements in health care technology.
sibuliso.duba@inl.co.za
Cape Argus