St. Vincent’s University Hospital celebrates 2000th Robotic Surgery Milestone: Pioneering excellence in patient care and surgical innovation

14th March 2024

St. Vincent’s University Hospital (SVUH) marks a historic moment as it celebrates the completion of its 2000th robotic surgery procedure, solidifying its position at the forefront of medical innovation and patient-centred care in Ireland. Since the inception of its robotic surgery programme in October 2017, SVUH has been dedicated to harnessing cutting-edge technology, fostering research, and delivering unparalleled excellence in patient outcomes.

Under the visionary leadership of Clinical Director of Surgery, Mr. David Mulvin, and Chairperson, Ms. Louise Veitch, who is ADON in charge of the robotic committee, SVUH’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of surgical innovation has been unwavering. Spearheading this transformative journey is Ms Sara Nicholson CNM3 and Ms. Maple Wu CNM2, alongside a highly skilled team of nurses, who ensure the seamless day-to-day operation of SVUH’s robotic theatre.

“Reaching the remarkable milestone of 2000 robotic surgeries underscores our relentless pursuit of excellence in patient care and outcomes,” says Mr David Mulvin. “With minimal cancellations and recognition as a high-volume centre, SVUH completed 443 cases last year, with an average of 240 cases per machine annually in the United States. At SVUH, we are dedicated to leveraging the latest advancements in robotic technology to provide our patients with the highest standard of care, tailored to their individual needs.”

Robot-assisted surgery stands at the forefront of a revolutionary shift in surgical care, characterised by its minimally invasive nature and soaring global adoption rates. Offering patients a multitude of benefits, including reduced scarring, minimal blood loss, negligible infection rates, diminished postoperative pain, and accelerated recovery times, it has redefined the landscape of modern healthcare. Moreover, the initial capital investment in robotic surgical systems proves to be a prudent expenditure, as it results in reduced hospital stays, fewer complications, and expedited returns to daily activities for patients. The unparalleled manoeuvrability of robotic arms, capable of 360-degree rotation, facilitates the swift and safe completion of increasingly complex surgeries.

Beyond its direct patient benefits, robotic systems usher in a new era of surgical innovation, equipped with advanced features such as machine learning, data analytics, eye-tracking navigation systems, and cutting-edge imaging capabilities. These advancements not only mitigate the trauma of surgery but also empower surgeons with unparalleled precision and efficiency in their procedures. As a result, robotic surgery transcends geographical boundaries, transforming the scope and impact of surgical interventions on a global scale.

With 12 consultant surgeons across six surgical specialties independently performing robotic surgeries, SVUH boasts an expert team with a wealth of experience and expertise. From Urology to Thoracic surgery, hospital surgeons are leading the way in utilising robotic technology to achieve optimal patient outcomes and revolutionise surgical care in Ireland.

As SVUH celebrates this monumental achievement, the hospital reaffirms its dedication to advancing research and innovation in robotic surgery, ensuring that patients continue to receive the highest quality of care. With a steadfast commitment to excellence, SVUH remains steadfast in its mission to lead the way in patient-centred care and surgical innovation.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact:

Jennie Cotter, Corporate Communications | Mob 087 906 2781 | Email jcotter@svuh.ie