Pushing Beyond the Limits of Possibility

Every time he operates on a patient’s kidney to remove a tumour – a procedure he’s done hundreds of times – he only has 30 minutes. Any longer, and he risks causing permanent damage. In these high-risk, complex cases, A/Prof Moon uses advanced robotic technology to do what many others cannot.

“There’s a lot on the line and you have to move quickly,” he says. “With the access and vision of robotics, you can delve deep into a kidney. And because we have superior magnification, you can see things in great detail and remove cancers, wherever they are, all through keyhole surgery. Previously, that was unimaginable.”

Advanced surgical robotic technology is pushing us beyond the limits of possibility.

Benefits for Patients

• Smaller incisions with minimal scarring
• Less risk of complications like bleeding, clots, and wound infections
• Less risk of transfusions and intensive care admissions
• Reduced pain and discomfort
• Shorter stays in hospital and faster recovery time

Benefits for Surgeons

• Unparalleled vision and 3D magnification means tiny vessels and structures can be seen in incredible detail
• Better dexterity than the human hand
• Greater precision, control, and ergonomics
• Faster procedures – average theatre time has reduced by 32 minutes

Derrick's Story

A/Prof Moon has performed over 2,500 robotic surgeries for prostate and kidney cancer – the highest volume in Victoria. For one of his patients, Derrick, this robotic surgery was life-changing.

A PET scan revealed a 5 by 6 centimetre tumour growing in his only kidney. Without the right skill and expertise, there was a high chance Derrick would lose his kidney and end up on dialysis while he waited for a transplant. In Derrick’s case, robotic surgery gave A/Prof Moon precision and control when it mattered most.

An ultrasound and probe was used to precisely map out the extent of the tumour. Blood flow was clamped before meticulously following the tumour down into the kidney. Enhanced magnification meant he could see tissue planes in great detail and dodge major vessels. After the cancer was removed, the kidney was repaired in layers. All this was done through five small incisions rather than needing a 40cm cut, bigger instruments, and greater risk.

Growing Demand at Cabrini

In the last six years, the number of robotic surgeries at Cabrini has ballooned from 214 to 561 per year. Our sole robot is now running at capacity.

Your support will help expand access to this cutting-edge technology, push us beyond the limits of possibility, and transform surgical outcomes across all specialities.