Hi-tech towers a boost for keyhole surgery

Brand new high-resolution laparoscopic surgery towers are now up and running in six of the operating theatres at Hawke’s Bay Fallen Soldiers Memorial Hospital. 

The new units, used during laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery, are a major improvement on the towers they replaced. 

“The newer technology is providing us with superior screen visuals, which gives the surgeons better views and therefore information to work with when operating on patients,” said Mary Ann Henderson, Clinical Nurse Manager Theatre. 

“It is imperative that we keep abreast of new technologies and replace clinical equipment as its life ends to enable us to provide the very best outcomes for patients that we can,” said Steyn Van Der Spuy, Manager Clinical Engineering. 

“While the older versions were adequate, they were coming to the end of their life, requiring maintenance to be scheduled more and more often to keep them operational. And these new models are far superior to the standard definition we had on the previous ones.” 

The six towers cost just over $900,000. They have a similar life expectancy of the ones they replaced – about 10 years. 

Laparoscopic surgery is able to be increasingly used across a range of specialties including cancer, emergency and orthopaedic surgery. 

When possible, it is preferred by surgeons and patients. The advantages include decreased pain and discomfort for patients after surgery, the generally lower rate of postoperative complications, and shorter hospital stays, which can mean a same day discharge after some procedures.

The changeover went like “clockwork”, with installation, implementation and staff training held during late June. 

“Go-live” date was 3 July, with supplier Medipak/Storz having its technicians on site for the first week of operation.

“We are extremely pleased with the new technology and the way it operates,” said Bernie McEntee, General Surgeon.

 

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