In partnership with the Free State Health Department and the University of the Free State, the hospital has launched the advanced Versius Robotic Surgery System.

Unlike traditional surgery, which requires large incisions, robotic surgery enables doctors to perform operations using smaller cuts, with reduced pain and less scarring.

“It will allow us to be precise. The human eye has its limits, but this camera system, allows you to zoom in. It also has an angled camera, so it lets you look behind structures and enables your vision to access smaller spaces,” explained the Head of Surgery at Universitas Hospital, Dr Leony Fourie.

The Free State Health Department states that it is working towards procuring additional Versius Robotic Surgery machines to place in various facilities.

At present, the province has one machine at Universitas Academic Hospital. Health MEC Monyatso Mahlatsi says the department aims to move into an era where doctors can work remotely, with patients being operated on while the specialist is based in another town.

“The issue of orthopaedic patients is that the implants, which have caused us to have long waiting lists, have been addressed. This includes Boitumelo Hospital, where we had a long list. Operations began last week, and the number has now been significantly reduced,” Mahlatsi added.

--SABC--