Robotic Surgery: Redefining What’s Possible in the Operating Theatre

what does this mean for patients?

Robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery offers several important benefits, including:

• Minimally invasive procedures
• Enhanced surgical precision
• Improved safety
• Less post-operative pain
• Faster recovery times
• Ability to undertake more advanced surgery locally

With the introduction of the TOUMAI® robot, patients undergoing treatment in urology, gynaecology, and particularly general surgery, can expect improved surgical outcomes and a smoother recovery experience.

understanding robotic-assisted surgery (RAS)

Robotic-assisted surgery is now used across a wide range of medical specialties. Depending on the procedure, robotic systems can assist with:

• Orthopaedic joint replacements
• Head and neck surgery
• Heart and gastrointestinal procedures
• Prostate, urological and reproductive system surgery

These systems do not replace the surgeon. Instead, they enhance the surgeon’s capabilities by offering greater precision, control, and visual clarity.

robotic guidance systems in orthopaedic surgery

Orthopaedic robotic systems are designed to assist in hard tissue surgeries, such as joint replacement and spinal procedures. They allow surgeons to:

• Access enhanced imaging of the surgical area
• Preserve more healthy bone
• Achieve highly accurate implant placement
• Support quicker patient recovery

St Vincent’s Private Hospital Lismore has been at the forefront of orthopaedic robotics, successfully introducing the ROSA® Knee System in 2022, followed more recently by the CORI® Surgical System. These technologies use robotics-assisted planning and execution to deliver exceptional accuracy in joint replacement surgery.

Link to video:

the evolution of robotic laparoscopic surgery

Traditional laparoscopic surgery marked a major advancement in the 1980s and 1990s. Using small incisions, fibre-optic cameras, and specialised instruments, surgeons could perform procedures with less trauma to the body and faster recovery for patients.

Robotic surgery builds on this foundation.

Australia has seen a significant rise in the use of Robotic-Assisted Surgery (RAS), with general surgery being the fastest-growing field in this technology. The proportion of general surgical RAS has grown from 1% to 17% of all RAS between 2008 and 2023 in Australasia. As of May 2023, there were 162 robotic platforms in Australasia, with 26 of them in the public sector. As the cost of establishing RAS decreases over time, public hospital robotics systems are expected to become more accessible [1]. 

Instead of operating directly by hand, surgeons control robotic instruments from a console outside the patient’s body. A high-definition 3D camera provides enhanced depth and clarity, while robotic arms replicate the surgeon’s movements with exceptional precision.

As a result, robotic surgery often leads to even greater advances over the laparoscopic approach like:

• Reduced pain
• Fewer complications
• Shorter hospital stays
• Faster return to everyday activities
• Significantly better outcomes with nerve sparing and damage [2]

introducing the medbot Toumai® surgical robot

Developed by MicroPort MedBot, the TOUMAI® system is one of the most advanced minimally invasive surgical robots available today. A key innovation of the TOUMAI® is its force-sensing technology, which allows surgeons to feel tissue resistance—something not previously available in laparoscopic robotic systems.

The system also supports 5G-enabled remote surgery (telesurgery), opening the door to specialist expertise being delivered across vast distances when clinically appropriate or support from world leading specialist remotely to support our local surgeons.

How the TOUMAI® System Works

The TOUMAI® system includes:

• A remote surgeon console for precise control
• A patient cart with robotic arms
• An advanced imaging system

Together, these components work seamlessly to provide immersive 3D visualisation and highly accurate instrument control.

Key Features

• Force-sensing feedback for enhanced surgical control
• 3D HD imaging with advanced visual enhancement
• Robotic arms with seven degrees of freedom and tremor reduction
• Ergonomic surgeon console designed for comfort and safety
• Multiple safety safeguards, including auto-locking systems [3][4][5]

a new era of care for the northern rivers

The arrival of the TOUMAI® Surgical Robot at St Vincent’s Private Hospital Lismore marks a significant step forward for healthcare in our region.  By combining world-class technology with the expertise of our surgical teams, we are expanding access to advanced procedures closer to home—reducing the need for patients to travel and supporting better outcomes for our community.

We look forward to continuing to lead the way in surgical innovation, delivering safer, smarter, and more patient-centred care.

Sources:

[1]  Sakalkale, A., Satheakeerthy, S., Yeung, J.M. et al. Robots down-under: the current climate of robotic-assisted surgery education in Australia. J Robotic Surg 18, 246 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11701-024-01994-8

[2] Drumm, Cassie. (2022, April 28). Laparoscopic vs. Robotic Surgery: What’s the Difference? Jefferson Health. https://www.jeffersonhealth.org/your-health/living-well/laparoscopic-vs-robotic-surgery-whats-the-difference

[3] Pokhrel, G., Zheng, H., Tao, J. et al. Evaluation of the Toumai robotic system in partial nephrectomy and key system features. Sci Rep 15, 13046 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-97124-x

[4] Microport. (2024, November 27). Toumai® Laparoscopic Surgical Robot Achieves Milestone with First Implantation in Europe. https://microport.com/news/toumai-laparoscopic-surgical-robot-achieves-milestone-with-first-implantation-in-europe

[5] Microport. (2025, June 04). Toumai® Robot Enables First-Ever Intra-EU Telesurgery Cases. https://microport.com/news/toumai-robot-enables-first-ever-intra-eu-telesurgery-cases#:~:text=On%2026%20May%2C%20as%20part,effective%20coordination%20and%20decision%2Dmaking.