Townsville celebrates two years of pioneering paediatric robotic surgery

North Queensland children are recovering faster and returning home sooner after complex surgery, as Townsville celebrates two years of its pioneering paediatric robotic surgery program.

Established in 2024 through a public–private agreement between Townsville University Hospital and Mater Private Hospital Townsville, the program has brought advanced robotic-assisted surgery to children in regional Queensland, reducing the need for families to travel to major metropolitan centres for specialised care.

Townsville is home to one of Australia's first paediatric robotic surgery programs and remains the only centre in Queensland offering this specialised service.

Paediatric surgeon and paediatric urologist Dr Janani Krishnan, who established and leads the program, said its success had exceeded expectations.

“When we established this service two years ago our vision was to bring world-class, minimally invasive surgery closer to home for children and families in North Queensland,” she said.

“Seeing children recover with minimal pain, mobilise earlier, and return home sooner has been incredibly rewarding.

“For children requiring complex reconstructive surgery, robotic technology combines the benefits of minimally invasive surgery with the precision and dexterity traditionally associated with open surgery.”

About one child each month undergoes robotic-assisted surgery at Mater Private Hospital Townsville, predominantly for complex kidney and bladder conditions, including pyeloplasty, a procedure to correct obstruction at the junction between the kidney and ureter.

The $3.3m robot was purchased by Mater in 2021, with the support of Mater Foundation.

“The robotic platform provides highly magnified, three-dimensional vision and instruments with an exceptional range of movement,” Dr Krishnan said.

“This allows us to perform delicate reconstructive procedures through small incisions, with a level of precision that is particularly valuable when operating on children.

“Importantly, the benefits extend beyond the operating theatre.

“Reduced postoperative pain, less reliance on strong pain medication and faster recovery can make an enormous difference to children and their families.”

The anniversary is also being marked by a visit from internationally renowned paediatric urologist Professor Chester Koh from Texas Children's Hospital in Houston.

Professor Koh is internationally recognised for his contributions to paediatric robotic surgery, surgical innovation and the training of future generations of surgeons.

During his visit, Professor Koh will join Dr Krishnan in the operating theatre, sharing his expertise during a robotic-assisted procedure on a three-year-old child.

“Having Professor Koh visit Townsville is an enormous privilege for our team and a significant milestone for our program,” Dr Krishnan said.

“He is one of the pioneers of paediatric robotic surgery internationally, and his contributions have helped shape the field.

“To have a surgeon of his calibre travel from one of the world's leading children's hospitals to collaborate with us here in regional Queensland is truly special.”

A key contributor to the program's establishment was Dr Stefan Antoniou, an experienced robotic urological surgeon based in Cairns.

“Stefan provided invaluable mentorship, technical expertise and surgical proctoring during the program's early development,” Dr Krishan said.

Dr Krishnan said the agreement between Townsville University Hospital and Mater Private Hospital Townsville had been instrumental in the program's success.

“This program demonstrates what can be achieved when public and private healthcare providers work together with a shared vision,” she said.

“Ultimately, this is about ensuring that where a child lives does not determine the quality of surgical care they can access.”

Mater Private Hospital Townsville general manager Mark Cathcart said Townsville was becoming a major centre for robotic-assisted surgery in Australia.

“The da Vinci system is delivering excellent outcomes for young patients from across northern Australia,” Mr Cathcart said.

“Mater is proud to be delivering for patients while taking healthcare in Townsville to new levels.”