World Robotic Symposium 2020

July 2020

RPA hosts Australian program at virtual global robotic surgery symposium

Surgeons from Royal Prince Alfred hospital have been selected to host the Australian program at the World Robotic Symposium 2020, which is being held virtually, for the first time.

The annual four-day Symposium brings together innovative leaders in robotic surgery from across the globe.

Medical experts and academics will deliver interactive, virtual presentations about the latest ground-breaking robotic surgery techniques, tools and technology.

"It's a feather in our cap to be chosen to host the Australian program at the Symposium," Associate Professor Ruban Thanigasalam, a robotic urological surgeon and clinical lead in prostate cancer research at the RPA Institute of Academic Surgery, said.

"It's a reflection of the success of our clinical work plus Sydney Local Health District's investment in research in the field of robotic-assisted surgery," Associate Professor Thanigasalam said.

There are seven surgical robots across the Camperdown campus which includes RPA, Lifehouse and the University of Sydney – which is the most at any one site in Australia.

It includes the da Vinci robot which is used in thoracic, urological, colorectal, upper gastroenterological and gynaecological surgery. And, the Stryker Mako and Corin Ominbot robots which are used for orthopaedic surgery.

RPA is also home to the Surgical and Robotic Training Institute which is the only certified da Vinci robotic training facility in the southern hemisphere.

During robotic-assisted surgery, robots provide surgeons with 3D vision and the controls to guide instruments during an operation. It's less invasive surgery and results in faster patient recovery times.

Associate Professor Thanigasalam, Dr Scott Leslie and Dr Geoff Coughlin will chair the Australian program at the Symposium.

It'll also feature masterclasses from Australian urological robotic surgeons including Professors Declan Murphy, Tony Costello, Peter Sutherland, and Phillip Stricker.

The Symposium has been organised by the US-based Society of Robotic Surgery (SRS), a leader in education, training and research in robotic surgery.

The Symposium convenor, and founding member of the SRS, Dr Vipul Patel, is renowned for his contribution to the field of robotic surgery and prostate cancer.

Dr Patel has performed more than 13,000 robotic prostatectomies for the treatment of prostate cancer.

"My Australian colleagues are performing world-class robotic-assisted surgery that's improving patient care and outcomes. They are also leaders in innovation and research," Dr Patel said.

"I am so pleased to be able to collaborate with them during the Symposium. By working together, we'll be able to drive further developments in robotic-assisted surgery.

"I look forward to joining the Australian program which will showcase the latest advances in surgery techniques, tools, and technology," he said.

Surgeons across 14 different specialties, including from Europe, Asia, India, and South America, will participate in the Symposium.

The free Australian program is supported by industry partner, Device Technologies. The Symposium runs from 30 July – 2 August.

Registration is open until 30 July via www.sydneyroboticssummit.com

RPA's Institute of Academic Surgery is set to host the Sydney Robotics Summit, in partnership with the SRS, in June next year.