What’s happening?

Mater Private Hospital Townsville is celebrating a groundbreaking achievement: surgeons have successfully performed over 1,000 Da Vinci robotic surgery procedures.

This milestone underscores the hospital’s dedication to advanced surgical techniques, including the use of the cutting-edge Da Vinci XI robot, which assists in minimally invasive surgeries.

Why it matters?

This achievement places Townsville at the forefront of surgical innovation in North Queensland, bringing world-class medical care closer to home.

Robot-assisted surgeries offer numerous benefits, such as smaller incisions, reduced recovery times, and enhanced precision.

These advancements significantly improve patient outcomes and highlight Townsville’s commitment to exceptional healthcare delivery.

Local Impact

• The Da Vinci XI robot is revolutionising surgical care for patients across North Queensland, offering access to treatments that were previously available only in larger metropolitan centres.
• Leading the way is Dr Kurinji Kannan, a certified Urogynaecologist and experienced laparoscopic surgeon who routinely performs complex robotic surgeries in Townsville.
• Dr Kannan’s dedication to women’s health, particularly in addressing urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse, has transformed the lives of many local women.

By the numbers:

• 1,000+ robotic surgeries have been completed at Mater Private Hospital Townsville, showcasing its expertise in robotic-assisted procedures.
• 1 in 3 Australian women experience urinary incontinence, yet less than half seek help, emphasising the importance of specialists like Dr Kannan.
• Dr Kannan has been practising minimally invasive surgery since 2006 and became the first female surgeon in Townsville to utilise the Da Vinci robot in 2021.

Zoom In

Dr Kannan’s illustrious career is marked by numerous firsts.

She was the first Indian woman to complete RANZCOG’s fellowship program in New Zealand and went on to become the first Indian Urogynaecologist in Australia and New Zealand.

Her commitment to excellence extends beyond surgery; she holds a Master of Surgical Education (First Class Honours) and actively contributes to international humanitarian efforts by performing free surgeries in Burma.

Her approach combines cutting-edge technology with compassionate care. “Women often face years of emotional and physical challenges before seeking medical help,” says Dr Kannan. “I am committed to providing the specialised care they deserve, using the best tools and methods available.”

Zoom Out

Townsville’s healthcare advancements are part of a broader trend of bringing world-class medical innovation to regional Australia.

The use of robotic surgery in North Queensland exemplifies the shift toward providing equitable access to advanced healthcare, ensuring that patients in regional areas don’t have to travel long distances for specialised treatments.

What to look for next?

Mater Private Hospital Townsville continues to lead with innovation. As robotic surgical technology evolves, the hospital aims to expand its applications, offering even more patients access to minimally invasive procedures.

Dr Kannan and her colleagues remain at the forefront of these advancements, committed to delivering outstanding care to the North Queensland community.

This milestone is more than just a number—it’s a testament to how innovation, skill, and dedication can change lives, one procedure at a time.