Donderdag 13 Maart 2025
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GRATIS
Universitas makes technological breakthrough
Robotics revolution LIENTJIE MENTZ
The first multipurpose surgical robotic system in Southern Africa is now used at the Universitas Academic Hospital, giving surgeons the upper hand in the operating theatre.
Oupa en kleindogter laat die speke sing Shirlé van den Berg (links), ’n gr. 6-leerling van die Laerskool Universitas (Tjokkies) en haar oupa George van den Berg (regs) het Sondag 9 Maart die Kaapstad-fietstoer voltooi. Shirlé, wat onlangs van Jongensfontein in die Wes-Kaap na Bloemfontein verhuis het, was die jongste meisie wat aan dié wedren van 109 km deelgeneem het. Daar was tien inskrywings vir kinders jonger as 13 jaar en sy het vyfde in haar ouderdomsgroep gekom. Oupa George (70) het die fietswedren saam met haar voltooi.
The introduction of the Versius Surgical Robotics System is a groundbreaking moment for healthcare in South Africa. This places Universitas at the forefront of medical innovation in Africa. At the launch on Tuesday, 11 March, at the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of the Free State (UFS), premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae said the use of the system will not only elevate the healthcare system in general but also positions the country as a key player in the development of advanced medical technologies in the region. “The benefits of Versius are profound: patients will experience quicker recoveries and an earlier return to work, which ultimately leads to a healthier, more productive society,” she said. “Moreover, the Versius system is designed with mobility and accessibility in mind. Its modular and scalable design allows it to fit seamlessly into any operating room without the need for major infrastruc-
ture changes.” Prof. Hester Klopper, vice-chancellor and principal of the UFS, said the system helps specialists perform complex robotic-assisted surgeries with unprecedented accuracy. “It will revolutionise how we train the next generation of health-care professionals,” she said. “Our students and faculty will now have the unique opportunity to engage with a cutting-edge robotic system.” A medical team went to Dubai in January to attend training in the use of the system. Prof. Colin Noel, a general surgeon at Universitas, performed the first surgery with the system on 24 February. From then to 6 March, nine procedures including radical prostatectomies and cholecystectomies were performed with the technology. Prof. Freddie Claassen, an urologist at Universitas who has used the system in a radical prostatectomy , says the use of the robotic system holds many advantage to surgeons. Claassen explains that the system imitates a fully functional arm with a hand, and can be used for a wide variety of surgeries. “It is especially helpful when operating within the human pelvis. A surgeon would often have to stand for long hours in uncomfortable positions to
perform certain operations. This system will not only save time but also add a faster recovery time for patients.” In a robotic surgery, a surgeon sits at a console in the theatre and can operate multiple arms of which one holds a high-definition camera. “Before a surgeon can complete a surgery alone with the system, a proctor specialist will have to sign off on a surgeon’s skill. This will protect the patient, knowing that only qualified surgeons use the new system.” One of the huge advantages of the system, is that it will enable better outcomes for patients, including shorter hospital stays, fewer complications, and quicker recoveries. Surgeons will benefit from enhanced visual and tactile feedback during operations, enabling them to perform procedures more accurately and safely. With Southern Africa being a critical hub for medical advancements, the adoption of this system has the potential to inspire other hospitals across the region to follow suit. This further raises the standard of care for patients and medical professionals alike. “As we move forward, we will continue to promote societal transformation by bridging the gap between academic knowledge and practical solutions,” Letsoha-Matae said.