Southern Hemisphere First Robotic Surgery Completed at the San

Sydney Adventist Hospital has achieved another major milestone in surgical innovation, becoming the first in the Southern Hemisphere to perform robotic-assisted surgery using the new da Vinci 5 surgical system.

The landmark procedure was performed by Associate Professor Stephen Pillinger, Head of Colorectal Robotic Surgery at the San, using the next-generation platform recently introduced to Australia by Device Technologies. Shortly afterwards, Professor Tristan Yan, Director of Robotic and Minimally Invasive Cardiothoracic Surgery, also performed the Southern Hemisphere’s first heart surgery using the same system.

The achievement marks a significant advancement in robotic-assisted care and builds on the strength of the San’s established robotic surgery program, which completed more than 1,000 da Vinci procedures in 2025.

A defining feature of the da Vinci 5 is its telepresence and telesurgery capability, enabling surgeons to observe and perform procedures remotely in real time. This technology has the potential to transform access to specialist care, particularly for patients in regional and remote communities, by allowing expert surgeons to support procedures without being physically present.

Associate Professor Stephen Pillinger said the technology represents an important step forward in both patient care and surgical collaboration.

“It’s not only about improving patient outcomes, but also about expanding access to specialist expertise,” A/Prof Pillinger said.

“The ability to collaborate and support colleagues remotely in real time opens new possibilities for mentoring, training and delivering high-quality care to more patients, regardless of location.”

For surgeons, the da Vinci 5 also introduces enhanced ergonomics and force feedback technology, allowing them to feel the pressure exerted on tissue during surgery. This added sensory capability improves precision and control, contributing to safer procedures, shorter operating times and faster recovery for patients.

Professor Tristan Yan said the system offers meaningful improvements for complex surgeries.

“The enhanced precision and responsiveness of the da Vinci 5 are especially valuable in cardiothoracic surgery, where accuracy is critical,” Prof Yan said.

CEO of Adventist HealthCare, Brett Goods, says the milestone reinforces the San’s position as a leader in robotic surgery and clinical innovation. 

“We are uniquely placed to support the introduction of this technology, with the highest number of robotic surgery proctors in the country,” Mr Goods says. 

“We are proud to bring this technology to the San, helping to ensure we remain leaders in this space and can continue to provide the highest quality technology for our clinicians, patients and the wider community.” 

Watch the 7NEWS coverage of the breakthrough: